Pierre II de LOISY – Le Saint Suaire de Besançon, 1669

Exhibition : Images du Grand Siècle, nr 78. Good impression printed on silk of the only state, the slightly blurry image, especially at foot and on left. A few defects at silk, a small hole under the foot of Mary-Magdalene, a few rare stains. Very rare. Our engraving adopts the model initiated by Jean de Loisy in 1634, the latter being smaller in size. Representations of holy shrouds are not uncommon. This one differs from it by its support, textile imitating the sacred linen, its large dimensions and his technique, combining engraving and woodcut. The holy shroud of Besançon disappeared in 1794, the National Convention refuting the ancient origin of the shroud and ordering its destruction, the burning or using it as a bandage for the injured.