Jan Sadeler I, “Noah Building the Ark”, 1586 (2nd copy)

Jan Sadeler I (also known as Johannes Sadeler and Johann Sadeler) (1550–1600)

“Noah Building the Ark” (also known as “Construction of the Ark”), 1586

Technical Details & Condition:

Engraving on laid paper (with watermark) with small margins.

This is twelfth from the series of fifteen plates (including the title plate; New Hollstein 41–55), “The Story of the Family of Seth” (also known as “Bonorum et Malorum Consensio” or “The Knowledge of Good and Evil”), after a lost drawing by Maarten de Vos (also known as Marten de Vos and Maerten de Vos) (1532–1603), published by Jan Sadeler I in Antwerp.

It is an impression from the second of two states, with the addition of the plate number (“XII”) at the centre of the upper edge. As inscribed in the plate (“Genes; cap: 6.”), the scene depicts Chapter 6 of the Book of Genesis, where Noah follows divine instructions to build an ark (see verses 14–16). 

The impression is strong, crisp, and well-printed—near faultless. Aside from a small mark left of centre and another in the sky at upper left, the sheet is in excellent condition, free of tears, holes, folds, abrasions, or significant stains.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 21.6 x 28.5 cm
• Platemark: 20.4 x 27.1 cm
• Image borderline: 19.1 x 27 cm

In-Plate Lettering:

• Upper edge at centre: “XII”
• Along lower edge within the image border (from left to right): (on anvil):“Sadelerus / auct; scal”; (centre) “Genes; cap: 6.”; (right) “M. de vos figur:”
• Below the image in two columns of Latin: “Nec mora continuo exequitur Noe iussa tonantis / Materies abiegnus erat fortissimus asser. // Sic qui feruenti Christum veneratur amore, / Permanet incolumis curis neq[ue] subiacet ullis”

References:

• TIB 70. 040 S2 (Isabelle de Ramaix, “The Illustrated Bartsch”, vol. 70, Part 1 [Supplement], 1999, Abaris Books, p. 61); Nagler 1835 1835–52, no. 20; Le Blanc, no. 40; Wurzbach, no. 9.12; Hollstein 1980, vol. 21, no. 40; Edquist, p. 14, no. 18b; Ramaix 1992, no. 29
• Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando (RABASF): https://www.academiacolecciones.com/estampas/inventario.php?id=C-47-010a
• Rijksmuseum: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200247628
• British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1959-0221-11-12

Price & Shipping:

AU$306 (approximately US$214.68 / €187.18 / £162.18), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.

To acquire this graphically powerful and superbly executed engraving by one of the most renowned of the Flemish old masters, please contact oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. Secure payment is handled via PayPal invoice for a smooth, protected transaction.