Romeyn de Hooghe, “Accused by the Devil”, 1694

Romeyn de Hooghe (also known as Romeijn de Hooge, or his satirical pseudonym, Gisling) (1645–1708)
“Accused by the Devil”—Plate 21 from the series, “Art of Dying Well” (also known as “Mirror for a Good Death”), 1694

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching on laid paper, trimmed slightly irregularly around the image border. The print has been professionally mounted on a backing sheet of archival-quality washi paper, providing support and generous margins. 

Plate 21 is part of a series of forty-two plates initially published in Antwerp in 1673, later reissued in 1694 and 1700 by G. Gallet as illustrations to David de la Vigne’s “La manierè de se bien préparer à la mort par des considérations sur la Cène, la Passion, et la Mort de Jesus-Christ” (How to Prepare Well for Death through Reflections on the Last Supper, the Passion, and the Death of Jesus Christ).

The scene depicts the devil attempting to deceive a dying man, urging him away from a righteous life, while an angel offers warnings of the demon’s treacherous intent. Anchoring the biblical theme, the upper left includes a painting portraying the High Priest Caiaphas judging Jesus for blasphemy—paralleling the devil’s role. The accompanying explanatory text (see page 44 in the 1700 edition, where this etching appears as a reversed copy: https://archive.org/details/b30408453/page/44/mode/2up) cites Matthew 26:66: “Qu’en jugez-vous? Ils répondirent: il a mérité la mort” (“What do you think? They answered, He is worthy of death”).

This impression is richly inked, crisp, and well-printed—most likely a lifetime impression, as evidenced by the high quality of the line work, with no signs of wear to the plate. The sheet is in excellent condition, free of tears, holes, folds, abrasions, or significant stains.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 19.3 x 15 cm
• Image borderline: 19 x 14.7 cm

In-Plate Lettering:

• Upper left: “21”
• Lower centre: “R: d H: f:”

References:

• Landwehr 27 (John Landwehr, Romeyn de Hooghe as Book Illustrator, Amsterdam, Vangendt & Co., 1970, p. 79, cat. no. 27)

Price & Shipping:
AU$292 (approximately US$205.85 / €178.58 / £154.34), including worldwide express shipping. Please note that import duties and taxes (if applicable) are the buyer’s responsibility.

To acquire this striking Baroque etching—depicting angels and demons battling for the soul of a dying man, with faith and salvation hanging on his response to the framed image of Jesus before the High Priest—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I’m happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a smooth, protected transaction.

This print has been sold