Lucas Vorsterman I (1595–1675)
“Cornelius Sachtleven”, circa 1645
The subject of this portrait is the Dutch printmaker and painter, better
known as Cornelis Saftleven (1607–1681). Renowned for his vivid images
of hell, this may explain the monster on which Saftleven nonchalantly rests his
arm—a creature that Henri Hymans (1972) tentatively identifies (possibly in
error) as a hippopotamus (p. 194). The Latin inscription “HOLLANDVS PICTOR
NOCTIVM PHANTASMATVM”—meaning “Dutch painter of nocturnal phantasms”—suggests
that Saftleven’s work often explored dreamlike, nightmarish visions. The
monster reflects Saftleven’s fascination with nocturnal fantasies and dreamlike
visions.
Technical Details & Condition:
Engraving on laid paper with wide margins, professionally backed with
fine washi paper. This impression is from the series after Anthony Van Dyck
(1599–1641), “Icones Principum Virorum” (also known as “Icones Principum
Virorum Doctorum Pictorum Chalcographorum Statuariorum nec non amatorum
pictoriae artis numero centum ab Antonio Van Dyck Pictore ad vivum expressae,
eiusq[ue] sumptibus aeri incisae”), published in Antwerp in the Hendrick &
Cornelis Verdussen edition of 1720.
The design of this portrait is based on Van Dyck’s preparatory chalk and
wash drawing in the Amsterdam Historisch Museum. The impression is richly inked
and flawlessly printed. Aside from a collector’s pencil notations at lower
left, the sheet is in near pristine condition, free of tears, holes, folds,
stains, or abrasions.
Dimensions:
•
Sheet: 37.8 x 25 cm
• Platemark: 24 x 15.8 cm
• Image borderline: 21.7 x 15.6 cm
In-Plate
Lettering (along the writing edge):
•
Left: “Ant. van Dyck pinxit. / LV [ligature] orsterman sculp.”
• Centre: “CORNELIVS SACHTLEVEN / HOLLANDVS PICTOR NOCTIVM PHANTASMATVM.”
• Right: “Cum priuilegio”
References:
•
Hymans 208 (Henri Hymans, “Lucas Vorsterman, 1595-1675, et Son Oeuvre Gravé”,
1972, Amsterdam, G.W. Hissink & Co, pp. 194–195, cat. No. 208)
• New Hollstein 88 (van Dyck); Hollstein 199 (Vorsterman I); Mauquoy-Hendrickx
90
• Rijksmuseum: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200467695
• British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1863-0509-891
Price
& Shipping:
AU$288 (approx. US$207.60 /
€177.08 / £152.93), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and
taxes (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.
To
acquire this rare and outstandingly portrait of Cornelis Saftleven, please
contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly
provide a secure PayPal invoice for a smooth transaction.
This print has been sold
