MOSES AND THE PARTING OF THE RED SEA — THREE HAND-COLORED BIBLICAL ENGRAVINGS — 18TH-CENTURY GERMAN LUTHER BIBLE
An original large-format, double-sided illustrated leaf from an eighteenth-century German Lutheran Bible produced in the renowned Endter Bible tradition of Nuremberg, Germany.
This especially desirable leaf features THREE substantial hand-colored biblical engravings, including two illustrations on one side and a third on the reverse, depicting the Israelites' deliverance at the Red Sea and their celebration of God's victory over Pharaoh.
The illustrations accompany Exodus Chapters 14–15, among the most dramatic and recognizable passages of the Old Testament.
Date: Eighteenth century; exact printing year unconfirmed.
Origin: Nuremberg, Germany.
Bible: Martin Luther's German translation, illustrated Endter Bible edition.
Size: Approximately 14½ × 9 inches.
Pages: 67–68, Exodus Chapters 14–15.
ILLUSTRATION 1 — ISRAEL GUIDED BY THE PILLAR OF FIRE
The upper engraving on page 67 depicts the Israelites gathered in the wilderness, with a supernatural pillar of fire rising in the distance.
Figures rest and gather beneath the surrounding hills, while the miraculous fire illuminates their encampment.
The scene illustrates God's continuing protection and guidance of Israel as Pharaoh's army approaches.
The engraving retains historic hand-coloring in greens, blues, browns, and muted reds, surrounded by an elaborate yellow ornamental border.
ILLUSTRATION 2 — PHARAOH'S ARMY OVERWHELMED IN THE RED SEA
The second engraving on page 67 depicts the dramatic destruction of Pharaoh's pursuing forces in the waters of the Red Sea.
Moses stands at the left with his staff extended toward the turbulent waters. Egyptian soldiers and horses are engulfed by the returning sea, their desperate struggle emphasizing the overwhelming power of divine judgment.
This dramatic composition illustrates Exodus 14:26–28, when the waters returned and covered Pharaoh's chariots, horsemen, and pursuing army.
The illustration retains historic hand-coloring and an elaborate decorative border.
ILLUSTRATION 3 — MOSES AND THE ISRAELITES CELEBRATE DELIVERANCE
The reverse, page 68, features a third substantial hand-colored engraving depicting the Israelites rejoicing after their miraculous deliverance.
A gathering of men and women celebrates in the wilderness, raising their arms in thanksgiving and praise.
The scene accompanies Exodus 15, the great Song of Moses, in which Israel praises God for his victory over Pharaoh and his army.
The biblical text includes the famous declaration:
"The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation." — Exodus 15:2
The engraving retains attractive hand-coloring in blues, greens, reds, yellows, and earth tones, enclosed within a decorative floral border.
HISTORICAL AND RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE
The crossing of the Red Sea is one of the defining events of the Old Testament and a foundational narrative of Jewish and Christian religious history.
The destruction of Pharaoh's army represents God's decisive deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, while the Song of Moses celebrates his power, faithfulness, and salvation.
In Christian tradition, the passage through the sea has also been understood as a prefiguration of baptism and redemption.
The Endter family of Nuremberg produced some of the most elaborate illustrated editions of Martin Luther's German Bible during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
This original antique leaf is particularly attractive because it contains three separate hand-colored biblical engravings, rather than the single illustration found on many comparable leaves.
Both sides also feature historic German blackletter typography, decorative initials, biblical cross-references, and extensive scriptural commentary.
An excellent collectible for enthusiasts of Moses, the Exodus, the Red Sea crossing, biblical history, antique German printing, Protestant Reformation history, and early religious art.
Original antique printed Bible leaf, not a modern reproduction.
Condition: Antique condition with overall age toning, scattered foxing and staining, edge wear, irregular margins, and localized discoloration. Some marginal tears and paper reinforcement or repairs are visible, particularly near the edges and lower margin of page 68. A few darker spots and minor creases are present. All three biblical illustrations remain substantially complete, retaining attractive historic hand-coloring. Please examine photographs of both sides carefully.
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