Die Beschneidung - Hendrick Goltzius

A dense crowd of figures in both biblical and contemporary 16th-century dress witnesses the circumcision of the infant Christ. The scene is characterized by soaring Gothic arches, a large ornamental chandelier, and the intricate, swelling line work characteristic of the artist's mature style. This print was specifically designed to imitate the engraving manner of Albrecht Dürer, showcasing the artist's technical virtuosity.

As part of the 'Meisterstiche' (Master Prints) series, this work reflects the Renaissance concept of the 'Protean' artist—a creator capable of adopting the artistic 'spirit' and technical identity of past masters. This ability was often linked in Mannerist circles to Neoplatonic ideas regarding the divine creative power of the human imagination.