Geknielde vrouw grijpt de mantel van Christus - Louis Fabritius Dubourg

A delicate etching by Louis Fabritius Dubourg depicting a biblical scene of a woman reaching for the mantle of Christ.

This etching by the Dutch artist Louis Fabritius Dubourg depicts a scene from the New Testament, specifically the moment a woman reaches out to touch the garment of Christ. The composition is structured around the central figure of Jesus, who stands amidst a crowd, while the kneeling woman occupies the foreground, her posture conveying a sense of urgency and devotion. Dubourg employs a delicate line quality, characteristic of his graphic work, to define the drapery of the robes and the subtle expressions of the surrounding figures.

The setting includes architectural elements and foliage, which provide a sense of place without distracting from the primary interaction. The use of a single-colour ink, typical of the sanguine or sepia tones favoured in eighteenth-century printmaking, gives the work a soft, unified appearance. The artist focuses on the emotional weight of the encounter, using gesture and spatial arrangement to guide the viewer through the narrative. The figures are rendered with a degree of naturalism that reflects the stylistic tendencies of the period, balancing classical proportions with the dramatic sensibilities of the Baroque tradition.

Dubourg, active in Amsterdam, produced a significant body of work that often explored biblical themes. This print demonstrates his technical proficiency in etching, particularly in his ability to create depth through varied line density rather than heavy shading. The scene remains clear and legible, with the light source appearing to emanate from the centre, drawing attention to the interaction between the woman and Christ. This piece offers a glimpse into the devotional art practices of the Dutch eighteenth century, where such prints were frequently collected for private study and contemplation. The work is a fine example of the period's interest in narrative clarity and the humanisation of religious subjects.