Jesus Calling Zacchaeus from Geistliche Auslegung des Lebens Jesu Christi (The Spiritual Interpretation of the Life of Christ), Plate 15 from Woodcuts from Books of the 15th Century
c. 1485, portfolio assembled 1929
Unknown Artist (near Ulm, 15th century) printed and published by Johann Zainer (German, active 1473–c. 1523) portfolio text by Wilhelm Ludwig Schreiber (German, 1855–1932)
Germany
This sparely drawn, anonymous woodcut suggests an incomplete design for stained glass. Copies of the complete book, The Spiritual Interpretation of the Life of Christ, were doubtless also offered in a boldly hand-colored version. In this scene (Luke 19: 1-10), Jesus Christ passes through Jericho and notices a wealthy, but diminutive, devotee who has climbed a sycamore tree (drawn here with recognizable seed pods) in order to see him better. Recognizing Zacchaeus’s enthusiasm, Christ invites himself and his entourage to dinner, guaranteeing both his host’s conversion and salvation. German Bible verse translations, simple illustrations, and prayers help the attentive reader along the same path.
Woodcut in black, and letterpress in black (recto and verso), on cream laid paper