Pieter Bruegel, who worked very closely with Pieter van der Heyden and other engravers, and the publisher Hieronymus Cock, on the translation of his works into the print medium, made very detailed preparatory drawings for his prints. The model drawing for this print, carefully executed in pen, brush and ink and dated 1556, is at the Albertina, Vienna (inv. no. 78755).
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In addition to the catalogue description: - with 2 mm. margins on all sides. - some stray red pigment on the clam at centre and some small spots of ochre pigment on the large shell and fish at centre. - another small spot of reddish-brown pigment on the small eel at lower left. - with the usual vertical central crease and other short printer's creases and folds elsewhere, mainly visible in raking light and verso. - a few minor stains and pale foxmarks in places, mainly visible in the sky at upper right. - a short, skilfully repaired tear at the upper centre (approx. 8 mm.). - a short unprinted hairline above the fisherman at right. - a thin spot at the upper right corner. Otherwise as described and generally in good condition, mounted and unframed.
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Lot 61Sale 22904
Big Fish eat little FishPIETER VAN DER HEYDEN (CIRCA 1530-1572) AFTER PIETER BRUEGEL THE ELDER (1525-1569)Estimate: GBP 10,000 - 15,000
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