Prints and Principles

Most of the recent posts give details about individual prints and earlier posts discuss some of the subtle principles guiding artists in making images meaningful and memorable. For prints that are unsold, click "Items still available for sale" below. All other prints are no longer available. My contact email is oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com and my Instagram username is @printsandprinciples. I have created a separate blog to show my own work: https://printsandprinciplesjamesbrown.blogspot.com

Wednesday, 20 August 2025

Johannes and Lucas van Doetecum, “Portal with Barrel Vault and a City Gate in the Background”, c.1560

Johannes van Doetecum I (aka Johannes van Doetechum the Elder; Joannes Doedecum; Joannes van Duetecum; Joannes van Doetecum) (fl.1551–1605), and/or his brother, Lucas van Doetecum (aka Lucas van Duetecom; Lucas van Duetecum; Lucas van Doetechum) (fl.1554–1572)

“Portal with Barrel Vault and a City Gate in the Background”, c.1560, plate 7 (as inscribed at lower right corner) from the series, “Architectural Perspectives in Oval Frames for Intarsia” (aka “Variae Architecturae Formae”) after the design by Hans Vredeman de Vries (1527–1606?). Initially published in Antwerp by Hieronymus Cock (aka Jérome Cock) (c.1517/8–1570) and later (as with this impression) by Theodoor Galle (aka Theodor Galle; Dirck Galle) (1571–1633), also in Antwerp. I understand that this and the other plates in the series were designed for wood inlay (intarsia) in panelling and furniture.

Etching on laid paper with watermark.

Size: (sheet) 18.3 x 23.6 cm; (plate) 16.2 x 21.5 cm.

Inscribed on plate on entablature to the left and right of the barrel vault: (left) “VRIESI^. INVENT^.”; (right) “GALIE. EXCVD.”

State ii (of ii) with Theodoor Galle inscribed as the publisher.

Hollstein Dutch 58; New Hollstein Dutch 190.

Condition: a strong and well-printed impression showing minor signs of wear to the printing plate. Beyond a few pencil notations, the sheet is in an excellent condition with no tears, holes, folds or significant stains.

I am offering this exceptional etching from Michelangelo’s lifetime, originally conceived as a design for wood inlay. Priced at AU$348 (approximately US$224.04 / EUR192.14 / GBP165.98 at current exchange rates), this price includes worldwide express postage and handling. Please note that any applicable import duties or taxes imposed by the destination country are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this remarkable Renaissance-era etching, which depicts a one-point perspective view through an architecturally intricate portal featuring a sprung arch with an oculus, leading to a distant building complex adorned with sculpted Hermes pilasters, please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly send you a PayPal invoice for a smooth and secure transaction.

This print has been sold