Wallerant Vaillant, “Two Boys Singing”, c. 1658–77, after Frans Hals

Wallerant Vaillant (also known as Vallerant Vaillant) (1623–1677) — the first professional mezzotint artist

“Two Boys Singing” (also known as “Two Singing Boys with a Lute and a Music Book”), c. 1658–77

Technical Details & Condition:

Mezzotint printed in black on fine laid paper, trimmed with a narrow margin around the image borderline. Although a strong and crisp impression showing minimal signs of wear to the printing plate, it is possibly from a later edition (based on the even distribution of paper pulp around the chain lines of the laid paper) printed from the original plate. The print is after Frans Hals’ (c. 1582/1583–1666) painting (c. 1625) in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Kassel (Accession Number GK215 — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two_Singing_Boys_with_a_Lute_and_a_Music_Book), and was originally published by Wallerant Vaillant.

The sheet remains in a near-pristine condition, entirely free of tears, holes, folds, abrasions, stains, or historical handling marks.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 27.9 x 21.7 cm
• Image borderline: 27.5 x 21.2 cm

In-Plate lettering:

• Lower centre: “F. Hals inv.”
• Lower right: “W. Vaillandt fec. et Exc.”

References:

• Hollstein Dutch 109 (Ger Luijten [comp.], “Hollstein: Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts 1450–1700: Jan van der Vaart to Gerard Valck”, vol. 31, 1987, Amsterdam, Van Gendt, p. 129, cat. no. 109, state ii/ii)
• Rijksmuseum: Object Number RP-P-H-109 — https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200135502
• British Museum: Museum Number 1875,0710.1502 —https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1875-0710-1502

Price & Shipping:

AU$263 (approx. US$186.70 / €160.52 / £137.45, subject to daily exchange rates). Price fully includes worldwide express shipping. Please note that destination import duties and local taxes remain the sole responsibility of the buyer.

To purchase this exquisite mezzotint executed after a masterpiece by Frans Hals during the golden age of Dutch printmaking, please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless transaction.