Abraham Hogenberg

Abraham Hogenberg was a printmaker active primarily in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, with his documented artistic output spanning the years 1597 to 1618. His works encompass a range of subjects, including biblical narratives, allegorical scenes, and significant historical records. Verifiable examples of Abraham Hogenberg prints are held in major international institutions, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

The six works represented in museum collections confirm Hogenberg’s ability to handle both sacred and secular themes. His religious compositions include the dramatic depictions Christus aan het volk getoond (Ecce Homo) and The Agony in the Garden, the latter originating from a series focused on The Passion of Christ. He also explored allegorical subjects, documented through the print Maria met Christuskind en de kleine Johannes de Doper (a symbolic representation of the three theological virtues).

Hogenberg's historical work often served a documentary function, most notably the detailed engraving Marriage procession for the wedding of Elizabeth Stuart, daughter of James I, and Frederick V, Elector Palatine, dated February 14, 1613. Due to the antiquity of the material, many of these historical and religious images are now considered public domain, allowing institutions to provide downloadable artwork. These high-quality prints are frequently accessed by researchers studying early modern print culture and European history.