Circumcision 1606 - 1656

Laurent de La Hyre created this print called 'Circumcision' sometime in the mid-17th century. It's an etching on a sheet of paper, divided into sections representing scenes from the lives of saints. In the center, the scene of the circumcision of Christ gives the whole print its name. This image creates meaning through visual codes and cultural references, particularly the historical associations with religious devotion in France during this period. France in the 1600s was deeply Catholic, and the print reflects this through its subject matter and its institutional history. The Catholic Church was a major patron of the arts, commissioning works to promote religious teachings and values. The print’s conservatism is evident in its focus on traditional religious scenes and figures. But the role of the historian isn't simply to identify these influences. By exploring related prints, documents from the period, and the history of the church, we can better understand the meaning of this artwork and its place in the social and institutional context of its time.