Joseph Heintz
The Circumcision, 1599
About the object
The circumcision of Christ by the priest in the temple is a popular motif in Christian iconography. According to the Gospel of Luke, in keeping with Jewish law, Jesus was circumcised eight days after his birth. Joseph Heintz, who worked at the court of Emperor Rudolph II, translated the biblical story into a courtly, theatrical scene. The copper plate was possibly part of a series featuring scenes from the Life of Mary.