Israel Jerusalem Woodcut 1575 – Absalom’s Tomb – André Thevet

Description

Israel Jerusalem woodcut dated 1575, associated with the French cosmographer André Thevet, depicting figures throwing stones at the monument traditionally known as Absalom’s Tomb.

The composition centres on an imposing monument with a circular, columned base and a tall conical roof. In the foreground, one figure bends down to collect stones while another raises an arm towards the monument. A camel and rider, distant buildings and a hilly landscape complete this Renaissance representation of Jerusalem.

The scene illustrates the tradition of throwing stones against the monument in condemnation of Absalom’s rebellion against his father, King David. It offers an interesting example of the way European travel publications presented the monuments and biblical traditions of the Holy Land during the sixteenth century.

Printed in black ink on laid paper, the woodcut retains French letterpress text on the reverse. This text discusses Jerusalem, its climate, outbreaks of plague, drought and water supplies, adding to the historical interest of the sheet.

The association with André Thevet concerns the publication; the individual wood engraver has not been identified.

Details:
• Date: 1575.
• Technique: woodcut.
• Paper: laid paper with age toning.
• Sheet dimensions: 17 × 14.4 cm, excluding the projecting paper extension.
• Image dimensions: 16.2 × 13.7 cm.
• Printed French text on the reverse.
• Subject: the stoning of the monument traditionally called Absalom’s Tomb, Jerusalem.

Condition: age toning, scattered small brown marks, narrow trimmed margins and irregular edges. Text from the reverse shows through in places. The composition remains clearly legible. Please examine the photographs for the condition of this particular impression.

A historical print for collections devoted to Jerusalem, the Holy Land, Renaissance travel literature and early woodcut illustration.

For historical background on the monument and its traditions, read about Absalom’s Tomb in Jerusalem.

Explore another Renaissance view in our collection: Athens woodcut associated with André Thevet, circa 1575.