Maaltijd te Emmaüs 1606

Jacob Matham’s 1606 engraving “Maaltijd te Emmaüs” depicts the biblical story of the two disciples recognizing Jesus after he breaks bread with them. The print showcases Matham’s skill in depicting a bustling scene filled with numerous figures engaged in various activities, including a man watering a horse in the foreground, a group of men dining at a table in the middle ground, and a woman tending to a well in the background. The scene is set in a rural landscape with a farmhouse and surrounding trees, creating a sense of depth and realism. This engraving is a testament to the artist's mastery of the medium and the enduring popularity of biblical narratives in Dutch art of the 17th century.