The Seven Sacraments (Ordination) - Anton Riedel

A detailed 1754 etching by Anton Riedel depicting the sacrament of Ordination, based on the original work by Giuseppe Maria Crespi.

This etching by Anton Riedel, dated 1754, depicts the sacrament of Ordination. It is part of a series based on the original paintings by Giuseppe Maria Crespi, a prominent figure of the Bolognese School. The composition focuses on the solemn moment of the rite, where a bishop confers holy orders upon a kneeling candidate. The figures are arranged with a clear sense of hierarchy, typical of religious iconography from the period.

Riedel employs a disciplined etching technique to translate the tonal qualities of Crespi's original work into a monochromatic medium. The use of cross-hatching and varied line weight defines the folds of the ecclesiastical vestments and the facial expressions of the participants. The bishop, seated in his mitre, occupies the left side of the frame, while the candidate kneels in profile, creating a balanced interaction between the two primary subjects. The surrounding figures, including other clergy members, provide a sense of context and witness to the ceremony.

As a reproduction print, this work demonstrates the eighteenth-century practice of disseminating famous paintings through the medium of printmaking. It allows for a close examination of the compositional structure and the dramatic lighting effects that characterise the late Baroque style. The attention to detail in the garments and the architectural setting reflects the technical skill required to produce such high-quality engravings during this era. This print serves as a record of the original series, which was highly regarded for its naturalistic approach to sacred subjects. The clarity of the line work ensures that the emotional gravity of the scene remains present, even when removed from the original colour palette of the oil paintings.