This is a drawing of a baptism and a book distribution ceremony in Zurich. The drawing is divided into two sections, each depicting a distinct event. The upper section shows a baptism taking place in a church setting. An ornate baptismal font is centered in the scene, with religious figures in robes conducting the ceremony, surrounded by an audience of onlookers and participants dressed in period attire. The architectural features, such as tall windows and vaulted arches, contribute to the solemnity of the chapel interior. A small dog can be observed in the foreground. The lower section illustrates a book distribution ceremony. A higher platform holds individuals engaged in the distribution, with a large group of attendees seated and observing the proceedings. This section also features intricate detailing of the church's interior architecture, including wooden panels and decorative stonework.
Read the visual description

This is a drawing of a baptism and a book distribution ceremony in Zurich. The drawing is divided into two sections, each depicting a distinct event. The upper section shows a baptism taking place in a church setting. An ornate baptismal font is centered in the scene, with religious figures in robes conducting the ceremony, surrounded by an audience of onlookers and participants dressed in period attire. The architectural features, such as tall windows and vaulted arches, contribute to the solemnity of the chapel interior. A small dog can be observed in the foreground. The lower section illustrates a book distribution ceremony. A higher platform holds individuals engaged in the distribution, with a large group of attendees seated and observing the proceedings. This section also features intricate detailing of the church's interior architecture, including wooden panels and decorative stonework.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Baptême du Juif Jachiel Hirschlin à Zurich. 1746; Distribution des Livres avec Etudians et aux Ecôliers à Zurich (Baptism of Jachiel Hirschlin and Distribution of the Books)

David Herrliberger

Date
1751
Medium
engraving on wove
Dimensions
plate: 35 × 21.4 cm (13 3/4 × 8 7/16 in.) sheet: 38.2 × 25.1 cm (15 1/16 × 9 7/8 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
2023.41.4
Credit line
Gift of Vincent Buonanno
Time span
1751 to 1775
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
Kurz Beschreibung der Gottesdienstlichen Gebräuche, Wie solche in der Reformirten Kirche der Stadt und Landschaft Zürich begangen werden... (Short Description of the Sacraments as Practiced in the Reformed Church of Zurich)
Provenance

Vincent Buonanno, Providence, RI; gift to National Gallery of Art, 2023

NGA object ID 225886. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.