Herman van Swanevelt, “The Magdalen Repentant”, c.1650

Herman van Swanevelt (aka Herman Swaneveld) (1603–1655)

“The Magdalen Repentant” (aka “La Madeleine en Penitence”; “Penitent Mary Magdalene in the Wilderness”), c.1650 (1643–1655), from the series of four plates, “Landscapes with Penitent Saints”, published in Paris by André Vanheck with privilege from Louis XIV (King of France).

Etching on laid paper backed with a support sheet.

Lettered on plate below the image borderline: (left) “Herman van Swanevelt Inventor fecit”; (right) “AParis chez Vanheck/ cum privilegio Regis”.

Size: (sheet) 28.8 x 36.2 cm; (plate); 25.3 x 32.9 cm; (image borderline) 23.9 x 32.6 cm.

State iii? (of iv) with the lettered addition of Vanheck as publisher.

TIB 2.107 (Mark Carter Leach & Peter Morse [eds.] 1978, “The Illustrated Bartsch: Netherlandish Artists”, vol. 2, Abaris Books, New York, p. 311); Hollstein Dutch 12-3 (4).

See also the description of this print offered by the British Museum and the Rijksmuseum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_Sheepshanks-2291; https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200261007.

Condition: a well-printed impression with small margins around the platemark (approx. 1.5 cm) and laid onto a support sheet of archival (millennium quality) washi paper providing wide margins. Beyond a small mark in the cliff above the Magdalene and a replenished spot also above the Magdalene, the sheet is in a good condition with no significant stains or other issues.

I am selling this large and fascinating etching that delicately merges Mary Magdalene in her state of repentance accompanied by the sound of angels playing musical instruments and a sublime image of wildness in the spirit of Italian classical compositions, for the total cost of AU$246 (approx. US$161.44, EUR 138,88, or GBP 120.19). Global express shipping is included. Import duties, if any, are the buyer's responsibility.

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

Note that this is the second impression that I have listed of this print—the previous copy has been sold.