Uitgeversprospectus voor de prenten naar het schilderij van Laatste Oordeel van Lucas van Leyden 1768 - 1796

This is an engraver's prospectus by Abraham Delfos from the 18th century, advertising prints based on Lucas van Leyden's painting of the Last Judgement. In its day, art was deeply intertwined with civic identity, especially in the Netherlands. Here, Delfos seeks to capitalize on van Leyden's legacy. His prints aim to make the famed artist's work accessible to a wider audience. The text emphasizes the skill required to capture the painting's detail. Delfos appeals to local pride, invoking the patronage of Leiden's mayors. The prospectus also hints at the social hierarchies of the art world. Printmaking allowed for broader dissemination, yet the language suggests a desire for elite endorsement. Delfos wants to position his prints as both educational and prestigious. Ultimately, Delfos’ prospectus is a fascinating insight into how art was marketed and consumed, while referencing the emotional and personal dimensions of the piece.