Antique Religious Copperplate Engraving of a Saint by Hendrik Goltzius (1558-1617)
Antique Religious Copperplate Engraving of a Saint by Hendrik Goltzius (1558-1617)
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Additional Description:
A finely executed antique copperplate engraving depicting a contemplative male saint seated within a rocky landscape, rendered with remarkable depth, precision, and dramatic Baroque chiaroscuro. The figure gazes heavenward in spiritual reflection while clutching a bound book, likely symbolizing scripture or divine revelation.
The engraving displays exceptionally refined line work throughout, particularly visible in the dense cross-hatching of the drapery, hair, and shadowed background. The anatomical modeling and emotional intensity is strongly attributable to Goltzius' work.
The small monogram or initials visible in the lower left corner appear to read similarly to “HG f.” and is attributable to Goltzius' signature. The sheet itself appears genuinely old, with age toning, visible plate impression, and laid or early wove paper characteristics consistent with an earlier printing rather than a modern reproduction.
The engraving has been newly presented in a tasteful modern gilt frame with layered archival matting, creating a clean and elegant presentation while preserving the antique character of the print itself. The restrained modern framing beautifully contrasts the intensity and age of the engraving.
Particularly attractive is the extraordinary detail of the engraving technique — the subtle modulation of light across the figure’s face and hands demonstrates the skill of the original engraver and gives the composition a highly sculptural quality
Typed label "ein Heiliger" - German for "A Saint"
B? Band III probably refers to an attempted reference to Bartsch, the key catalogue raisonne for old master prints
Goltzius is covered in Le Peintre-Graveur by Adam von Bartsch (published in early 19th century) - Band II means Vol 3
Back shows a collector's mark in purple ink and a handwritten AF in brown ink
May represent one of th Apostles or an Evangelist (could be Saint John looking up)
Likely a 16th or 17th c original strike (or an early pull from 18th c)
St. John the Evangelist from Christ, the Twelve Apostles and Saint Paul, engraved in 1589
Era:
Engraving: Likely 16th or 17th C
Modern custom frame added later
History:
Hendrik Goltzius (1558-1617) was a major Dutch engraver, draftsman, and print publisher of the late 16th to early 17th century.
Religious engravings such as this played an important role in early modern Europe, serving both devotional and educational purposes. Prints after famous religious paintings allowed collectors, clergy, and scholars to own portable versions of celebrated compositions from major artistic centers including Rome, Antwerp, and Paris.
Copperplate engravings were prized for their ability to reproduce subtle tonal transitions and painterly detail through intricate hand-cut lines. Many were produced by master engravers working after compositions by renowned painters of the Baroque period. These works circulated widely among collectors and often became treasured cabinet objects or devotional images.
The upward gaze, book, and wilderness setting suggest the subject may represent an evangelist, apostle, penitent saint, or desert hermit figure commonly depicted in Baroque religious iconography.
Provenance:
From a private collection; modern frame added by current owner.
Materials:
Copperplate engraving on paper with modern archival matting and gilt-finished frame
Dimensions:
[Please Add Framed Dimensions]
Visible engraving plate size approximately: [Please Add]
Disclaimers:
Engraving exhibits age-related toning, scattered foxing, minor edge wear, and handling marks consistent with age. Framing is modern and not original to the print. Attribution and exact identification of engraver and subject remain unconfirmed. Examination outside the frame may reveal additional plate marks, watermarks, or inscriptions useful for further identification.
Additional Description:
A finely executed antique copperplate engraving depicting a contemplative male saint seated within a rocky landscape, rendered with remarkable depth, precision, and dramatic Baroque chiaroscuro. The figure gazes heavenward in spiritual reflection while clutching a bound book, likely symbolizing scripture or divine revelation.
The engraving displays exceptionally refined line work throughout, particularly visible in the dense cross-hatching of the drapery, hair, and shadowed background. The anatomical modeling and emotional intensity is strongly attributable to Goltzius' work.
The small monogram or initials visible in the lower left corner appear to read similarly to “HG f.” and is attributable to Goltzius' signature. The sheet itself appears genuinely old, with age toning, visible plate impression, and laid or early wove paper characteristics consistent with an earlier printing rather than a modern reproduction.
The engraving has been newly presented in a tasteful modern gilt frame with layered archival matting, creating a clean and elegant presentation while preserving the antique character of the print itself. The restrained modern framing beautifully contrasts the intensity and age of the engraving.
Particularly attractive is the extraordinary detail of the engraving technique — the subtle modulation of light across the figure’s face and hands demonstrates the skill of the original engraver and gives the composition a highly sculptural quality
Typed label "ein Heiliger" - German for "A Saint"
B? Band III probably refers to an attempted reference to Bartsch, the key catalogue raisonne for old master prints
Goltzius is covered in Le Peintre-Graveur by Adam von Bartsch (published in early 19th century) - Band II means Vol 3
Back shows a collector's mark in purple ink and a handwritten AF in brown ink
May represent one of th Apostles or an Evangelist (could be Saint John looking up)
Likely a 16th or 17th c original strike (or an early pull from 18th c)
St. John the Evangelist from Christ, the Twelve Apostles and Saint Paul, engraved in 1589
Era:
Engraving: Likely 16th or 17th C
Modern custom frame added later
History:
Hendrik Goltzius (1558-1617) was a major Dutch engraver, draftsman, and print publisher of the late 16th to early 17th century.
Religious engravings such as this played an important role in early modern Europe, serving both devotional and educational purposes. Prints after famous religious paintings allowed collectors, clergy, and scholars to own portable versions of celebrated compositions from major artistic centers including Rome, Antwerp, and Paris.
Copperplate engravings were prized for their ability to reproduce subtle tonal transitions and painterly detail through intricate hand-cut lines. Many were produced by master engravers working after compositions by renowned painters of the Baroque period. These works circulated widely among collectors and often became treasured cabinet objects or devotional images.
The upward gaze, book, and wilderness setting suggest the subject may represent an evangelist, apostle, penitent saint, or desert hermit figure commonly depicted in Baroque religious iconography.
Provenance:
From a private collection; modern frame added by current owner.
Materials:
Copperplate engraving on paper with modern archival matting and gilt-finished frame
Dimensions:
[Please Add Framed Dimensions]
Visible engraving plate size approximately: [Please Add]
Disclaimers:
Engraving exhibits age-related toning, scattered foxing, minor edge wear, and handling marks consistent with age. Framing is modern and not original to the print. Attribution and exact identification of engraver and subject remain unconfirmed. Examination outside the frame may reveal additional plate marks, watermarks, or inscriptions useful for further identification.