Details
HENDRICK GOLTZIUS (1558-1617)
The Circumcision, from: The Birth and early Life of Christ
engraving, 1594, on laid paper, watermark Strasbourg Bend and Lily (similar to Haewood 145 and 150), a good but later impression of New Hollstein's second, final state, Strauss's third state (of five)



Plate 470 x 352 mm.
Sheet 482 x 358 mm.
Provenance
With Craddock & Barnard, London.
Acquired from the above by the present owner, circa 1970.
Literature
Bartsch 18, Hollstein 12; Strauss 322; New Hollstein 11
Special notice
Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.
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Lot Essay

Goltzius set this biblical scene in a contemporary setting, the Brouwers Chapel in the Church of St. Bavo in Haarlem, and included a small self-portrait in the group of onlookers: he is seen leaning against the arch at right, looking directly at the viewer. It is the earliest known portrait of the artist.
Perhaps as a tribute, perhaps as a demonstration of his own virtuosity and brilliance, Goltzius executed this large engraving in the manner of Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528). Not only did he imitate the older master's very systematic use of the burin, he also used figure types which are distinctly reminiscent of Dürer's, such as the Virgin or the figure of the man standing in the foreground, seen from behind.
The Circumcision is plate 4 of this series of six very large engraving, also known as The Life of the Virgin or The Masterpieces.


Post Lot Text
This lot has been imported from outside the EU for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on the invoice. Please see the Conditions of Sale for further information.

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