The circumcision of Christ. Etching by M. Küssell after J.W. Baur.

The high priest (usually identified with Simeon) wears eyeglasses while circumcising, or inspecting the circumcision of, the Christ child. Two men carry candles towards the altar

The circumcision scene has a wide reaching symbolic resonance: it shows the first shedding of the blood of Christ, hence the beginning of the Passion; it is the moment Christ is named; furthermore it displays the Judaism through which Christianity must pass

Augustae Vind. [Augsburg] : [publisher not identified]

1 print : etching ; platemark 16.4 x 20.7 cm

J.W. Baur inv. Cum privilegio Sac. Caes. Mai.tis Melchior Küsell sc. Augustae Vind. Bears number: 85

Wellcome Collection 22008i