Lot 30
A GROUP OF THREE BAROQUE COPPER DIES FOR PRINTING THE WENCESLAS BIBLE

Late 17th/early 18th century
Copper plate, silver plating
29.5 × 19.5 cm, 29.6 × 19.7 cm, 30.7 × 20.6 cm

Starting price

18 000 CZK
| 720 €

Price realized

35 000 CZK
| 1 400 €

price without premium

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These Baroque dies, which were used to print the Wenceslas Bible (first published in Prague in 1677–1715), portray two of the four evangelists – Saint Matthew and Saint Mark with attributes. They are framed by Renaissance arches lined with eight cartouches with scenes from the Gospels. The third die shows Christ as Salvator Mundi.

Jesus stands on a hill, and in each corner is the name of a continent. In the cartouches are the 12 apostles against the landscapes of the regions where they were active.