Prints and Principles

Most of the recent posts give details about individual prints and earlier posts discuss some of the subtle principles guiding artists in making images meaningful and memorable. For prints that are unsold, click "Items still available for sale" below. All other prints are no longer available. My contact email is oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com and my Instagram username is @printsandprinciples. I have created a separate blog to show my own work: https://printsandprinciplesjamesbrown.blogspot.com

Thursday, 23 April 2026

Richard van Orley II, “Wedding of Amaryllis and Mirtillo”, c. 1700

Richard van Orley II (1663–1732)

“Wedding of Amaryllis and Mirtillo” (or “Huwelijk van Amaryllis en Mirtillo”), c. 1700 (c. 1695–1705)

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching with engraving on fine laid paper, trimmed with a thread margin around the image borderline on the top and sides, but retaining the writing edge. The sheet has been professionally supported on washi paper, providing wide margins. It is the second plate in a series of 12 prints titled Il Pastor Fido, illustrating scenes from Giovanni Battista Guarini’s play Il Pastor Fido (c. 1584).

This particular print depicts the ninth scene of the fifth act, where the priest Montanus blesses the marriage of Amaryllis and Mirtillo in front of a circular temple dedicated to Diana. The impression is strong, crisp, and well-printed, showing no signs of wear to the printing plate—evidence that it is a lifetime impression, with guide lines for the lettering still visible. The sheet is in excellent condition, free of tears, holes, folds, abrasions, or significant stains.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 25.7 x 19.1 cm
• Image Borderline: 24.7 x 19 cm

In-Plate Numbering:

• Lower left: “R.V. Orleÿ fecit.”

References:

• Jacobs G15 (Alain Jacobs, Richard van Orley [Brussels 1663–Brussels 1732]), 2003, Brussels, Royal Library of Belgium, pp. 96–103, cat. nos. 66–78 [G4–G15])
• Hollstein Dutch 48–59 (FWH Hollstein, Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts ca. 1450-1700, Amsterdam, Menno Hertzberger, p. 192, cat. nos. 48–59)
• Rijksmuseum: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200239334

Price & Shipping:

AU$302 (approximately US$216.01 / €184.47 / £160.09), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you’re interested in acquiring this lively scene, which captures the transition from late 17th-century Baroque to 18th-century Classicism—note the dynamic chain-like rhythms connecting the figures, the dramatic lighting (highlighting that the scene is staged), and the classical setting—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will be happy to provide a PayPal invoice for a smooth and secure transaction.

This print has been sold