Description
“John the Baptist” and “The Baptism of Jesus” – 2 engravings (set). First State. 1585. Plates 1 and 2 [added in pen] from the series “Scenes from the Life of St John the Baptist and Christ,” in de Jode’s Thesaurus Novi Testamenti, 1585; note that the engravings have folio numbers at the to right of the plate, 242 and 243 in contemporaneous ink. Hollstein 270.1 (de Vos) and 271.1 (de Vos). Both engravings: conceptual artist, Maarten de Vos (signature), but probably inspired by a 1516 woodcut by Lucas Cranach. Engraver, Antonius Wierix. Publisher, Gerard de Jode. “John the Baptist Preaching” and “The Baptism of Jesus.” The first engraving measures 11.5″ x 8″; the second 10.8″ x 7.1″. Both are uncut on laid paper, with wide margins 13.5″ x 10.8″. Both plates are clean and sharp impressions. On the first engraving, there is an older repair to lower edge to prevent tearing; on the second, there is a pin hole above the “M” in de Vos’s signature (see pics). Each engraving is stunning, and together made for a very fine pairing, especially since they are each quite rare.
[Plate 1] John the Baptist Preaching. [Plate 2] The Baptism of JesusEngravings set in a museum-quality Bifold Portfolio (landscape) of linen cloth and silk moire, within archival sleeves; COA on premium “gold leaf” paper with gold seal and signature, set in an Archival Booklet.
