Description
STORY OF JACOB & ESAU. Set of 4 plates, complete. FIRST STATE, published 1580, numbered. Original design artist: Maarten de Vos. Original engraver: Antonius Wierix (probably). Original publisher: Gerard de Jode (signature). Reference: New Hollstein 68.1 – 71.1 (de Vos). Clean and sharp impressions, uncut, with full margins on laid paper, lightly toned. Numbered in pen above the plate line, upper right, 28-31 (numbered according to de Jode’s 1585 Sacrarum historiarum Veterus et Novi Testamentum from which these plates undoubtedly came. Each engraving size: 10.6″ x 8.45″. Full, uncut sheet: 13.5″ x 11″. Strong impressions. Richly detailed. Minor repairs to closed tears at bottom of some margins, not evident from the front. This iconic series, but especially the dramatic “Jacob’s Ladder” story, is based on the Book of Genesis 25-29. Sets in two museum-quality portfolios (landscape). Sold as a set only. This is the original, first, and complete set. Mannerism at its best.
[Plate 1] Esau Selling His Birthright to Jacob. [Plate 2] Isaac Blessing Jacob Disguised as Esau. [Plate 3] Jacob’s Ladder. [Plate 4] Meeting of Jacob and Rachel.Engravings set in two museum-quality Bifold Portfolios (landscape), of linen cloth and solk moire, within archival sleeves. COA on premium “gold leaf” paper with gold seal and signature, set in an Archival Booklet.
