AF-JX-0232.T.jpg

Hand-colored engraving depicting scenes from the book of Tobit (historically called the book of Tobias), a deuterocanonical book of the Bible which largely centers around the life of Tobias, son of Tobit. There are six vignettes around the border of the composition depicting scenes of the book; these, along with waterfall motifs, spouting whales, human figures, a graveyard scene (Tobit was noted for his diligence in giving proper burial to Israelites), and foliage, form a border.
In the main, central scene, Tobias, in a blue robe, is fleeing up a banks while a spouting whale pursues him from the water. Nearby stands the angel Raphael, with wings and staff, pointing at the whale and giving advice to Tobias. Further along the bank, Tobias' dog stands in an aggressive posture, as if it is barking at the whale. In the background are Romanesque dwellings, fanciful landscapes, and a single-masted boat. Latin text above and below the image, discussing the story of Tobias.


whales
1730-01-02
PERMANENT COLLECTION
Hart Nautical
Cath., Klauber
ink; laid paper
9 1/4 in x 14 in
Germany