Engraving 'bergh Sinai Montanus', 1680

Antique engraving from 1680 titled 'Bergh Sinai Montanus'. It represents a mountainous scene with human figures and camels, capturing the landscape of Mount Sinai. The work shows fine details and precise lines, characteristics of engravings from the period. Signed by K. Decker, suggesting a possible attribution to the artist. The paper shows signs of aging consistent with its antiquity. The overall condition is good, with minor wear appropriate for its age.

REPAIRS ARE VISIBLE ON THE BACK OF THE ENGRAVING.

This engraving from 1680 is one of the most iconic and detailed representations of the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai (Egypt). Although often associated with the name of Arnoldus Montanus, the actual authorship is attributed to Arnold van den Berghe.

Physical Characteristics and Measurements

Technique: Copperplate engraving on cotton paper.

Image dimensions: Approximately 35 x 28 cm, although the paper is usually larger (folio format).

Publication: Originally appeared in the work Ambassades mémorables de la Compagnie des Indes orientales or in geographical treatises on the Ottoman Empire published in Amsterdam (by publishers such as Jacob van Meurs).

Artistic Description

The engraving shows an elevated panoramic view that combines architectural rigor with the drama of the desert landscape:

The Monastery: The defensive walls from the time of Justinian and the internal structure, including the church tower, are clearly visible.

Human Activity: In the foreground, figures of travelers, monks, or Bedouins with camels often appear, giving a real scale to the magnitude of the mountains.

Geographical Environment: The mountains of Sinai are represented in a somewhat stylized manner, typical of Dutch Baroque, emphasizing the aridity and spirituality of the place.

This image was, for many Europeans of the time, the first detailed visual contact with the Monastery of Saint Catherine, one of the oldest and most isolated Christian monasteries in the world, famous for its library and icons.