Genealogie de Jesus Christ, de La Vierge de Matthan, et de Leurs Alliances selon Henninges

The Genealogy of Jesus and early Christianity.

“Genealogy of Jesus Christ, of the Virgin, of Matthew, and of Their Covenants according to Henninges” – Approximate title translation.

This is an interesting compilation of three family trees that present a host of important characters in early Biblical history (see lower center for a keyed list). The central branch shows the descendants of King David, including Jesus Christ (upper left). To the left is the family tree of the Maccabees, or the Hasmonean Dynasty. Its conqueror and Roman vassal, the Herodian Dynasty, can be seen on the right.

The copperplate-engraved sheet was originally published in Paris as part of Henri Abraham Chatelain’s important Atlas Historique. This monumental seven-volume set was first issued in Amsterdam between 1705 and 1720, but was reprinted until the late 1730s. The scholarly, but approachable, work was aimed at a broad audience, eager for new information during the Age of Enlightenment. The breadth of content offers a nuanced synthesis of geography, cosmography, history, religion, ethnology, and political science. The descriptive text (in French) and skillfully engraved maps, diagrams, and illustrations provide a fascinating window into the world of the early 18th century.