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Institution of the Sacrament


Christ sermonizing the power of his flesh and blood
Daniel Hopfer (German, about 1470–1536)
early 16th–mid-16th century

Medium/Technique Etching
Dimensions Sheet: 21.7 x 15.8 cm (8 9/16 x 6 1/4 in.)
Credit Line Gift of Robert Bradford and Barbara Ketcham Wheaton
Accession Number2008.10
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsPrints
Working on iron plates, Daniel Hopfer was the first professional etcher. His "Institution of the Sacrament" is a rare example printed in Hopfer's own time. The animated figure group set in classicizing architecture surmounted by a German text speaks volumes about the complex cultural make-up of Germany in the age of the Reformation.

Catalogue Raisonné Bartsch 005; Hollstein 10 i/ii
State i/ii
DescriptionEtching from iron plate with German text from John, Chapter 6
Marks Verso, lower center, stamped in black ink -- mark of Yorck van Wartenburg (Lugt 2669)
Verso, lower right, stamped in purple ink -- mark of Albert Blum (Lugt 79b)
InscriptionsVerso lower right in graphite pencil: 14308
ProvenanceYorck von Wartenburg (Klein Oels, Silesia, Lugt 2669); Albert Blum (1882-1952, Switzerland and Short Hills, NJ, Lugt 79b); his heirs; sold New York, Sotheby's, February 27, 1988, lot 1147; to Robert and Barbara Wheaton (Concord, MA); 2007, gift of Robert and Barbara Wheaton to MFA, (Accession Date: December 12, 2007)