The circumcision of Christ. Engraving by F. Bartolozzi after G.F. Barbieri, il Guercino.

The circumcision represents the first shedding of the blood of Christ, hence the beginning of the Passion; it is also the moment when Christ is named

Bible. N.T. Luke 2.21. The mohel is bald, as in other depictions of the same scene (for instance, by Goltzius and Reni)

1 print : etching with line engraving ; platemark 57.8 x 36.9 cm

From the picture of Guercino at Bologna in the church called del Nome di Giesu e Maria. Drawn and engraved by F. Bartolozzi

Wellcome Collection 24022i