Valentin Lefebre, “Saint Matthew and the Angel” (etching & counterproof), 1682, after Veronese

Valentin Lefebre (also known as Valentin Le Fevre, Valentin Le Febre, Valentin Lefebure, Valentin Lefèvre) (1637–1677)
“Saint Matthew and the Angel” (also known as “San Matteo e l'Angelo”]), etching and counterproof impressions, 1682

While some sources suggest that the subject and title of this print is “Tobias and the Angel,” the British Museum and the Rijksmuseum identify the central figure as Saint Matthew.

Technical Details & Condition:
An etching and a counterproof impression (taken from the etching) printed on separate sheets of laid paper. The etching is a strong impression, trimmed with approximately 3mm margins around the platemark, and mounted on a blue support sheet. It shows minor age toning, but is otherwise free of tears, holes, folds, or significant stains. The counterproof is a pale impression—being a direct impression taken from the freshly printed etching, resulting in a reversed image—with small margins on the sides and larger margins at the top and bottom. It has two binding holes in the right margin, a minor stain on Saint Matthew, and a small tear in the lower margin; otherwise, the sheet remains in good condition with no other significant issues.

This etching is part of a series of fifty-three plates titled “Opera Selectiora” (Selected Works), reproducing paintings by Titian (also known as Vecellio Tiziano) (1489/90–1576) and Paolo Veronese (also known as Paolo Caliari) 1(528–1588). It was published in Venice by Jacobus van Campen (fl.1682) and is based on a ceiling painting by Veronese in the Doge’s Palace. Both impressions offered here are from the initial editions of 1682 or 1684, prior to the later 18th-century editions where Teodoro Viero added his address to the plate.

These closely connected prints are exceedingly rare. Despite their rarity, the British Museum holds several examples of Lefebre’s counterproofs; for example, https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1950-0211-173.

Dimensions:
• Sheet (Etching): 24.3 x 22.8 cm
• Sheet (Counterproof): 34 x 24.2 cm
• Platemark: 23.5 x 22.1 cm
• Image borderline: 22.7 x 21.5 cm

Plate Lettering (below the image border):
• Left: “V. lefebre del et sculp.”
• Centre: “P. Caliary Ver.P”
• Right: “J. Van Campen Formis Venetÿs.”

References:
• Hollstein 1–53 (F.W.H. Hollstein, “Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts ca. 1450–1700: L'ADMIRAL–LUCAS VAN LEYDEN,” vol. 10, 1953, Amsterdam, Menno Hertzberger, pp. 46–48, cat. nos. 1–53)
• Villot 35
• Ruggeri I.35
• British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1954-0211-6-19
• Rijksmuseum: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200218687

Price & Shipping:
AU$334 (approximately US$236.13 / €199.41 / £174.17) for the pair of prints, including worldwide express shipping. Please note: Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this exceptionally rare pair of prints—comprising the original etching and the counterproof taken directly from the freshly printed plate—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a smooth and safe transaction.

This print has been sold