Jean Valdor After Hieronymus Wierix, Saint Francis of Assisi - Antique Engraving

Name: Jean Valdor After Hieronymus Wierix, Saint Francis of Assisi - Antique Engraving
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA968338
Availability: SoldOut

17th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This early 17th-century engraving by Johannes Valdor (c. 1570-1640) is after another engraving by Hieronymus Wierix (1553-1619).

When endless reams of colourful prints adorn the shelves of every homeware supplier from London to New York, it’s hard to comprehend the scarcity of a small original engraving produced over 400 years ago. Here, in this exquisitely incised image, Valdor creates a masterpiece. Each line precisely engraved into a smooth copper plate, gradually building up the gentle form of a Saint who symbolised sacrifice. It’s poignant that to craft such a piece, Valdor, too, would’ve given his life over to hone his skills.

Regardless of your religious beliefs, Francis of Assisi remains an inspiration. Born around 1181, he abandoned a lifestyle adorned with the trappings of wealth to devote his life to a greater cause. One of humility, simplicity and loving kindness. He holds a skull as a reminder of mortality, a ‘memento mori’ - ‘remember that you must die’. Riches are a temporary glory. Benevolence is permanent.

Held in a contemporary frame and glazed.

Works by Jean Valdor are held in numerous public collections including at the British Museum, the Met Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Medium: Engraving on hand-laid paper

Overall size: 8½” x 10” / 21cm x 26cm

Year of creation: c. 1600

Labels & Inscriptions: Humiliaut le in omnibus et coram Deo in uenit gratiam. He humbled himself in all things and came into favour before God.

Condition: Artwork presents well.

Physical Dimensions

Height

26cm (10.24")

Width

21cm (8.27")

Depth

1cm (0.39")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA968338

Description

This early 17th-century engraving by Johannes Valdor (c. 1570-1640) is after another engraving by Hieronymus Wierix (1553-1619).

When endless reams of colourful prints adorn the shelves of every homeware supplier from London to New York, it’s hard to comprehend the scarcity of a small original engraving produced over 400 years ago. Here, in this exquisitely incised image, Valdor creates a masterpiece.

“

Each line precisely engraved into a smooth copper plate, gradually building up the gentle form of a Saint who symbolised sacrifice.

Brave Fine Art

It’s poignant that to craft such a piece, Valdor, too, would’ve given his life over to hone his skills.

fig 1. Jean Valdor After Hieronymus Wierix, Saint Francis Of Assisi - Antique Engraving — fig 1. Jean Valdor After Hieronymus Wierix, Saint Francis of Assisi - Antique Engraving

Regardless of your religious beliefs, Francis of Assisi remains an inspiration. Born around 1181, he abandoned a lifestyle adorned with the trappings of wealth to devote his life to a greater cause. One of humility, simplicity and loving kindness. He holds a skull as a reminder of mortality, a ‘memento mori’ - ‘remember that you must die’. Riches are a temporary glory. Benevolence is permanent.