Frans Floris

This very rare print, which is probably based on a painting by Frans Floris, has been executed in a refined, detailed engraving technique reminiscent of Flemish Romanists such as Lambert Lombard. The engraving bears the early address of Hieronmyus Cock’s publishing house in Antwerp, and the delicate, ornamental typography of the Latin inscription is also a characteristic feature of early prints issued by Cock. Wouk records a few copies in Basel, Berlin (war loss), Brunswick, Brussels, Munich, New York, Paris and Wolfegg. There is a version of more or less the same size in reverse which bears the address “Aux quatre vents” of Cock’s widow, Volcxken Diericx, but differs in minor respects. Most noticeable is the curtain inserted behind the central group of figures around Christ. No satisfactory answer has been found to the question of whether this is an anonymous copy or a second version.

A very fine, crisp and even impression, trimmed to the platemark. Qualitatively far superior to the impression in the New Hollstein. Smoothed central fold verso, minor ageing, otherwise in excellent condition.