This rare and exquisite woodcut by Albrecht Altdorfer depicts an unusual setting for the resting Holy Family on their flight into Egypt. Mary, Joseph, the Christ child and three angels are relegated to the periphery of the composition, while the real protagonists of the scene are the elegant, vaulted ceiling of a Gothic building - probably inspired by the synagogue in Regensburg - and an elaborate large fountain at centre, surmounted by a secular figure of a crouching male nude. Both the interior itself and the sculptural and decorative design of the fountain are a reminder of - and possibly an advertisement for - Altdorfer's occupation as an architect and designer of ornaments. Although it does not relate to any traditional iconography, a similarly elaborate fountain is depicted in Altdorfer's painting of the same subject (Berlin, Gemäldegalerie Alter Meister), and was replicated by a follower of the artist in a miniature for the prayer-book of Emperor Maximilian I of 1515. This present, early impression is printed on a sheet with a Cardinal's Hat watermark, described by Winzinger as rare. The impression in the British Museum bears the same watermark (inv. no. 1895,0122.366).
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In addition to the catalogue description: - a diagonal printer's crease, from centre right to the vault above the torch; another, much shorter diagonal printer's crease at centre right and an even shorter horizontal printer's crease at centre right; all with some tiny, skilful and unobtrusive touches of pen and ink to the blank areas. - with the usual, horizontal central fold, flattened, partially broken and thinly supported verso, with tiny touches of pen and ink in places. - a tiny rust spot to the left of the left capital, mainly visible in transmitting light. - some small pale stains and minor foxmarks, mainly visible verso. - a narrow strip of paper hinging tape along the right sheet edge verso. Otherwise as described and in very good condition, mounted and unframed.
預計金額計算機
拍品 29拍賣 22904
The Holy Family at a FountainALBRECHT ALTDORFER (1480-1538)估價: GBP 25,000 - 35,000