Monogrammist JVL, “John the Baptist”, c.1650

Monogrammist JVL (17^th century) as identified in the description of this print offered by the Rijksmuseum: http://hdl.handle.net/10934/RM0001.COLLECT.345201.

Interestingly, the painter/draughtsman, Jacob van Loo (1614–1670) uses the initials of the monogrammist, “J.V.L.”, to sign his work (see https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2017/master-paintings-and-sculpture-day-sale-n09813/lot.143.html), but (at least to my knowledge) he is not an engraver—and this print is executed by a skilled master of engraving. Certainly, this print is not after the design of Jacob van Loo as the initials are followed by the letter “S”, that is an abbreviation of “Sculpsit” (transl. “He engraved it”), signifying that print is by the hand of the monogrammist. I am aware, however, of one other engraver with the initials, J.V.L., and that is the somewhat obscure artist, Jan van Lerberghe (c.1755–c.1810). From a personal standpoint, I doubt that the monogrammist is Jan van Lerberghe as the style of this print leans more to the Baroque period than the late 1700s when Van Lerberghe was active.

“John the Baptist” (aka “Johannes de Doper”; “John the Baptist with a Cross and Banderole in his Hand”), c.1650 (Rijksmuseum dates of attribution: 1600–1700).

Engraving on laid paper trimmed with a narrow margin around the image borderline and backed with a support sheet.

Size: (sheet) 20 x 15.3 cm; (image borderline) 18.7 x 14.5 cm.

Inscribed in plate below the hand of John the Baptiste: “J^.V^.L^.  S”.

Condition: a richly inked and well-printed impression with a narrow margin around the image borderline in an excellent condition with no tears, holes, folds, abrasions or significant stains. The print is laid onto a support sheet of archival (millennium quality) washi paper providing wide margins.

I am selling this exceptionally rare engraving executed with great skill and refinement, for the total price of AU$294 in total (currently US$192.95/EUR177.09/GBP151.48 at the time of posting this listing) including postage and handling to anywhere in the world, but not (of course) any import duties/taxes imposed by some countries.

If you are interested in purchasing this engraving of great beauty, please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.