Goltzius set this biblical scene in a contemporary setting, the Brouwers Chapel in the Church of St. Bavo in Haarlem, and included a small self-portrait in the group of onlookers: he is seen leaning against the arch at right, looking directly at the viewer. It is the earliest known portrait of the artist.
Perhaps as a tribute, perhaps as a demonstration of his own virtuosity and brilliance, Goltzius executed this large engraving in the manner of Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528). Not only did he imitate the older master's very systematic use of the burin, he also used figure types which are distinctly reminiscent of Dürer's, such as the Virgin or the figure of the man standing in the foreground, seen from behind.
The Circumcision is plate 4 of this series of six very large engraving, also known as The Life of the Virgin or The Masterpieces.


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