Het begin c. 1758 - 1760

"Het Begin" (The Beginning), a 1758-1760 etching by Jeremias Wachsmuth, depicts a robed figure standing on a rocky outcrop, holding a sphere of light. The scene is framed by an ornate border and set against a backdrop of swirling clouds, suggestive of the divine creation of the world. The work's title, German text, and the figure's pose all point to the artist's interpretation of the biblical story of creation. The etching is a testament to Wachsmuth's skill and artistry, and it remains a compelling visual representation of the beginning of time.