School of Fontainebleau

The present captivating and highly expressive sheet is derived from the engraving Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, executed by Dirck Volckertsz. Coornhert in 1549 after a design by Maarten van Heemskerck. In this particular instance, however, the subject is reinterpreted as a reversed variant, executed solely in the medium of etching; unlike the prototype, the inscription identifies the scene as Cleopatra at Ephesus, presenting gifts in homage to Mark Antony. In the New Hollstein, the work is attributed to an anonymous master associated with the School of Fontainebleau. In comparison with Coornhert’s version, the artist has made some refinements in his work: the portrayal of the figures is more fluid and harmonious, the physiognomies imbued with greater vitality, and details have been elaborated – notably the tiles on the floor, the cushion upon which Cleopatra kneels, and the treatment of her drapery. The handling of the etching needle is vigorous and confident, imparting to the sheet a pronounced artistic individuality and a distinctive expressive force.

The etching is of the utmost rarity: the New Hollstein records only one impression, preserved in the Prentenkabinet of the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam; another impression is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. 56.581.13). A very fine impression with delicate plate tone, trimmed to just within the framing line, with traces of the same. Before the address of Martinus Peeters. Minor ageing, otherwise in good condition.
 

EUR 14,000