Coenraet Decker, “De Stadt Delphus: Tempel van Apollo”, 1685

Coenraet Decker (also known as Conraad Decker) (circa 1650–1685)—a master engraver of the Dutch Golden Age active in Amsterdam

“De Stadt Delphus: Tempel van Apollo” (The City of Delphi: Temple of Apollo), 1685

Description & Historical Context

This exceptional and rare 17th-century engraving presents a creatively inventive, idealised panoramic view of ancient Delphi (De Stadt Delphus) in Greece, celebrated throughout antiquity as the home of the legendary Oracle and the Temple of Apollo.

Published as a gatefold illustration in Amsterdam in 1685 by Timotheus ten Hoorn (1677–1710) for Joannes Aysma’s (1636–1693) monumental work, “Spiegel der Sibyllen” (Mirror of the Sibyls), this engraving features an alphabetical, lettered legend (A through H) pinpointing key mythological and geographical sites—including Mount Parnassus, the Pythia seated on her golden tripod, and the arrival of the oracle-seekers.

An online digitised version of this exact print in its original publication context can be explored via Archive.org. Please note that the Archive has misattributed the publication to Johann Amos Comenius due to a metadata error caused by the author’s identical initials, “J.A.” on the title page: https://archive.org/details/ned-kbn-all-00004030-001/page/n780/mode/2up.

Technical Details & Condition:

The print is in excellent antique condition given its age of over 340 years. The impression is richly inked, crisp, and evenly printed, with original publication gatefold creases professionally flattened. Aside from a small, expertly replenished loss in the left margin (safely away from the image border), the sheet shows no major tears or staining. To ensure long-term preservation, the sheet has been professionally stabilised and backed with a supportive, archival-quality washi paper sheet.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 19.6 x 30.6 cm
• Platemark (trimmed along the top edge): 17.8? x 30.3 cm 
• Image borderline: 16.4 x 29.1 cm

In-Plate Lettering:

• Upper left: “De Stadt DELPHUS.”
• Upper right: “Pag: 669.” (Original bookbinder's placement instruction)
• Lower right within the image: “C Decker sculp et fec”
• Lower left and right columns below the image: (Legend A–H). Features a Dutch guide to key locations, including “A Den Berg Parnassus,” “D Pythia de Priesterin Sittende op de Goude Drie-voet,” and “G Sibylla Delphica Predikt.”
• Lower centre below the image: “TEMPEL van APPOLO”

References:

• Hollstein Vol. V, p. 138–142 (Decker: Book Illustrations); listed contextually under Joannes Aysma’s Spiegel der Sibyllen (1685)

Price & Shipping:

AU$294 (Approximately US$208.35 / €180.03 / £153.96 — subject to daily currency fluctuations), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this rare, beautifully preserved window into 17th-century classical cartography and mythology, please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. A secure PayPal invoice will be provided for a smooth, fully protected transaction.

This print has been sold 

James Brown, "Renoir's Garden", 2026

James Brown

“Renoir’s Garden”, 2026

Graphite and compressed charcoal on BFK Rives cream wove paper, 76 x 56 cm.

Price & Shipping:

AU$1760 (Approximately US$1238.04 / €1074.25 / £920.26 — subject to daily currency fluctuations), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you’re interested in acquiring this drawing, please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly provide a secure PayPal invoice for a smooth, fully protected transaction.

__________

Lately, I’ve been working on large graphite and charcoal drawings. This one is inspired by a photo I took from a window, looking down at what I’ll call Renoir’s Garden, as it’s adjacent to his house.

Regarding my working methods, I use different gauge clutch pencils to hold sticks of graphite and compressed charcoal. The clutch pencils help keep my fingers reasonably clean, which in turn helps prevent smudging and preserves the sharpness of strong tonal contrasts. I also periodically apply a casein-based fixative, inspired by the one Degas reportedly used, to further help minimise smudging. I’m cautious about fixatives, fearing they might darken a drawing over time, but this one seems to be holding up well so far.

At the end of this post, I’ve included some photos of my studio. I love seeing how others set up their workspaces, so I thought I’d share mine. As you’ll see, my space is a bit cramped—packed with books, supplies, and gear—but it’s my little haven where I can work and walk away when finished.

Adriaen Collaert, “Saint Christina of Bolsena”, circa 1600

Adriaen Collaert (circa 1560–1618)

“Saint Christina of Bolsena” (also known as “Heilige Christina” [Saint Christina]), circa 1590–1610

Technical Details & Condition:

Engraving on fine laid paper, trimmed close to the image borderline on the left and upper edges; full margins preserved on the right and lower edges. The impression is strong, crisp, and evenly printed. The sheet has been professionally stabilised and backed with a support sheet of archival-quality washi paper.

This engraving is from a series of twenty-four plates depicting female martyr saints “Martyrologium Sanctorum Virginum”, published by Adriaen Collaert in Antwerp.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 21.6 x 16.2 cm
• Outer image borderline: 19.5 x 15 cm

In-Plate Lettering:

• Lower left: “Adrian. Collaert excud.”
• Upper centre: “S. CHRISTINA.”
• Lower centre: “Vade age, ne dubita: Serpentum Sibila sperne, / Hæc nihil in sancta virgine iuris habent.”

(Translation: “Go, come, do not doubt: despise the hissing of the serpents; these have no power over the holy virgin”)

References:

• New Hollstein Dutch 804 (Ann Diels and Marjolein Leesberg [comp.], “The New Hollstein: Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings, and Woodcuts 1450–1700: The Collaert Dynasty”, vol. 4, 2005–06, Ouderkerk aan den Ijssel, Sound and Vision, p. 47, cat. no. 804)
• Hollstein Dutch 260–283 (F. W. H. Hollstein, “Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings, and Woodcuts 1450–1700: BRUN–COQUES”, 1949, vol. 4, Amsterdam, Menno Hertzberger, p. 203, cat. nos. 260–283 [FEMALE SAINTS / Martyrologium sanctorum virginum])
• Rijksmuseum: Object Number RP-P-2014-66-13 — https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200598195

Price & Shipping:

AU$304 (Approximately US$214.07 / €185.38 / £158.99 — subject to daily currency fluctuations), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you’re interested in acquiring this sensitively executed engraving of Saint Christina—complete with her traditional attributes and framed within an exquisite border of flowers and birds—please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly provide a secure PayPal invoice for a smooth, fully protected transaction.