Artwork
Plate 2: Levi
Plate 2: Levi is a print by the Renaissance artist Jacob de Gheyn II. It dates from 1589 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
If you like how this looks, check out the rest of the series by Jacob de Gheyn II (Netherlandish, 1565–1629).
A man in armor stands with a sword in one hand and a bishop’s tall hat in the other. His name is Levi, one of Jacob’s twelve sons from the Bible.
This print is part of a set showing all twelve brothers. Each brother gets a symbol that hints at his tribe’s future. Levi’s hat points to his descendants becoming priests. The artist drew every brother in a different costume, almost like trading cards for Bible stories.
If you like how this looks, check out the rest of the series by Jacob de Gheyn II (Netherlandish, 1565–1629).
Overview
This late 16th-century Netherlands print depicts Levi, one of Jacob’s twelve biblical sons, in armor, holding a sword and a bishop’s mitre, symbolizing his tribe’s priestly association. Part of a series illustrating all twelve brothers, each with distinctive attributes and costumes reflecting their character and prophesied destiny.
Subject & Meaning
Levi is shown with a sword, representing his warrior lineage, and a bishop’s mitre, signifying the priestly role of his descendants as per Jacob’s blessing in the Old Testament. The combination highlights the dual nature of his tribe’s heritage.
Technique & Style
The print showcases the artist’s use of contrasting symbols (sword and mitre) and detailed costume design to convey character and prophecy. The style is characteristic of Netherlandish printmaking from the period, with meticulous line work and symbolic composition.
History & Provenance
Created in the Netherlands during a time of political turmoil in the late 16th century, this print is attributed to Jacob de Gheyn II (1565–1629). The series reflects the contemporary popularity of Old Testament figures as models of virtue.
Context
The print’s emphasis on Old Testament heroes like Levi resonated with 16th-century Netherlands audiences seeking examples of endurance and moral strength amidst political struggle.
Legacy
As part of de Gheyn II’s series on Jacob’s sons, the print contributes to a broader artistic tradition of illustrating biblical narratives. Its detailed, symbolic approach to character representation influenced subsequent depictions of biblical figures in European art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacob de Gheyn II was a Dutch painter and engraver, whose work shows the transition from Northern Mannerism to Dutch realism over the course of his career.
