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Maker Once Known; Heemskerck, Maerten van (after)
Tobias and the Angel Taking Leave of Tobit; No. 3 in a series of 10: The Story of Tobias Tobie et l'ange prenant congé de Tobit; no 3 d'une série de 10 : Le livre de Tobie
1556 1556

Tobias and the Angel Taking Leave of Tobit acts as the third plate in a series of ten engravings related to the Book of Tobit produced after designs by Maerten van Heemskerck. This image relates three episodes from the fifth chapter of the Book of Tobit. In the immediate foreground, Tobias introduces the Archangel Raphael disguised as Azarias to his father. The angel, identified by wings, shakes hands with Tobit. The latter is pleased to learn about Azarias’s familial ties and offers his blessing to his son and companion as they set out on their journey to Media. Tobias’s dog, who will partake in the voyage, keeps close to his owner and looks out at the viewer. In the right middle ground, the artist conveys the moment when Tobit gives his son a handwritten letter authorizing him to collect the money that the former had left with Gabael in Rages. The youthful Tobias, marked by his athletic physique and wavy hair, willfully accepts his father’s command. Through the window at the back, the angel and Tobias set out on their journey. Both figures hold onto lengthy staffs, ready to take on the mountainous landscape that lies ahead of them.

Maker Once Known; Heemskerck, Maerten van (after)
Heemskerk, Netherlands 1498-Haarlem, Netherlands 1574 Heemskerk, Netherlands 1498-Haarlem, Netherlands 1574
Tobias and the Angel Taking Leave of Tobit; No. 3 in a series of 10: The Story of Tobias Tobie et l'ange prenant congé de Tobit; no 3 d'une série de 10 : Le livre de Tobie
1556 1556
Engraving, state 1 of 1 Gravure, état unique
overall: 19.6 cm x 24.5 cm
Purchase, Bader Acquisition Fund, 2010 Achat, Fonds d’acquisition Bader, 2010
53-046.032

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