Wahre eigentliche Abildung dess unsterblichen Heydens, Joseph Krantz, Von dessen Wandel, Ursachen und neuester Eräugnüs im Norden von Engelland [true depiction of the "Eternal Jew" Joseph Krantz... and his appearance in North England]. Engraving by an unknown artist. Publisher, place and year not indicated, [Germany, ca. 1694–1710]. German.

Single leaf (broadsheet), with an engraving at the top depicting the meeting in North England between the "Eternal Jew" Joseph Krantz and two other gentlemen. The heading is inscribed above the engraving, which is followed by a lengthy text describing the appearance of Joseph Krantz, who allegedly lived 1700 years. The text is based, presumably, on the various versions of the Ahasverus legend – "The Wandering Jew" or "The Eternal Jew" – a Jewish cobbler condemned to eternal wandering after he defamed Christ. First disseminated in the Middle Ages, it earned much popularity and was circulated in many illustrated versions, mostly of antisemitic character.

[1] leaf. 40.5X32.5 cm. Fair–good condition. Tears, slightly affecting text, professionally restored. Folding marks. Some stains. Mounted on non–acidic paper. Tear to central fold.

For further information, see: George K. Anderson (1947), Joseph Krantz, Twin of Ahasverus, The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory, 22:3, pp. 188–201.
Provenance: The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, 117.011.048.
Rare.