Exquisite and detailed drawing by Bernard Picart (1673-1733) of the circumcision of the infant Jesus, beautifully composed and with dramatic lighting. Picart was a celebrated French (Huguenot) artist who came to Amsterdam in 1711, where he lived and worked until his death in 1733. He was a pupil of his father Etienne, and is best remembered for his many book-illustrations. An engraving after the present drawing was published in the Dutch picture Bible Taferelen der voornaamste geschiedenissen van het Oude en Nieuwe Testament (1728).
With a diagonal tear at the left edge (2.5 cm), and a few small losses at the left upper corner. Otherwise in good condition. Cf. Poortman, Bijbel en prent IIa, pp. 137-145 (especially pp. 140-145); Thieme & Becker XXVI, pp. 572-573; Waller p. 254.