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

Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Unidentified master engraver of the early 1600s, “Virgin Nursing the Infant Christ with Joseph”, 1620

Unidentified master engraver of the early 1600s

“Virgin Nursing the Infant Christ with Joseph”, 1620 (date inscribed in plate at lower right)

Note that the Latin inscription beneath the image, which translates to “The Virgin Mother embraces the born child as parent,” offers insight into the somewhat unconventional depiction of the infant Christ. The portrayal presents a complex amalgamation: the infant appears both as a vulnerable child and as an adult Saviour. His stretching upward towards the Virgin’s face may symbolise his dual nature—simultaneously innocent and divine—highlighting the profound mystery of his incarnate form.

Technical Details & Condition:
Engraving on fine laid paper, with a narrow margin around the platemark and backed with a support sheet to provide wide margins and ensure stability. The impression is strong and crisply printed, with minimal signs of wear to the printing plate, suggesting that this is a lifetime impression. Beyond general age-toning and a tear/fracture in the margin at left, the sheet is in good condition with no significant stains or other issues.

Dimensions:
• Sheet: 18.6 x 14 cm
• Plate mark: 18.1 x 13.3 cm
• Inner image borderline: 15.5 x 13.2 cm

Plate Lettering:
In the text box below the image, lettered in four lines of Latin and the date:
“VIRGO. NATA PARENS NATVM COMPLEXA PARENTEM / QVI CÆLVM. TERRAS SYDERAQ ALTA REGIT / VIRGINEIS DOMINVM LACTANS FERT MATER IN VLMS. / QVOD NATVRA STVPET. SCVLPTA FIGVRA DOCET. / 1620”

(“The Virgin Mother embraces the born child as parent / Who rules the heaven, the earth, and the starry high / The mother carries the Lord nursing in her virgin arms / Which nature marvels at; the sculpted figure teaches”)

Price & Shipping:
AU$287 (approximately US$185.34 / €160.73 / £141.26), including worldwide express shipping.

Please note: Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this early master engraving of the Holy Family — and note how the artist draws in the viewer as an active participant in the scene through Joseph’s gaze — please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.

This print has been sold