Hendrik Hondius I, “Composita. s. Tactus”, c. 1607, after Paul Vredeman de Vries

Hendrik Hondius I (1573–1650)

“Composita. s. Tactus” (also known as “Portal of a Building with Composite Columns and the Sense of Touch”), circa 1606/7

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching with engraving on fine laid paper, with full margins as issued upon publication. 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.

Aside from minor handling marks in the margin (primarily along the lower edge) and a restored abraded area in the upper-right corner of the margin, the sheet remains in good condition for its considerable age.

This work is Plate 5 in the five-part series “The Five Senses,” which is integrated into the larger series of thirty-one plates, “Architectura” (also known as “The Books of Architecture”). This print is inscribed as Plate KK at the lower right.

The composition is based on a design by the Flemish painter and draughtsman Paul Vredeman de Vries (1567–circa 1630). The print was initially published in The Hague in 1606 by Hondius, with a later edition issued in Amsterdam in 1617.

Iconography:

This print allegorically links the physical sensation of touch with the Classical architectural style of the Composite Order. The scene is depicted in dramatic one-point perspective, featuring a grand building’s portal with theatrical poses of two figures embodying the sense of touch.

On the left, a woman recoils as a bird pecks her outstretched finger, illustrating the sensation of sharpness. On the right, a boy winces as a dog bites his leg, signifying pain.

The title inscription explicitly reinforces this dual theme using the Latin word “s.” (an abbreviation for sive, meaning “or” / “namely”), structurally declaring the scene to be either the architectural order or the sensation itself: COMPOSITA. s. TACTVS. (Composite, or Touch). The other four companion prints in this series align the remaining classical architectural styles with the human senses: 

• Tuscan Order with Sight 
• Doric Order with Hearing 
• Ionic Order with Smell 
• Corinthian Order with Taste 

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 26.3 x 37 cm
• Platemark: 23.6 x 33.6 cm

Plate Lettering (below the image):

• Left: “Paul de vriese Invent.”
• Centre: “COMPOSITA. 5. TACTVS.”
• Right: “Hh form. Cum priuill. KK”

References:

• Hollstein Dutch 619 (F.W.H. Hollstein, “Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts ca. 1450–1700,” Vol. IX: Hendriksen–Hoppenbrouwers)
• Hollstein Dutch 161 (Nested under Paul Vredeman de Vries volume entries, Vol. X, p. 91, cat. no. 161 [Les Cinq Rangs de l'Architecture])
• New Hollstein Dutch 606 (Nadine Orenstein, “The New Hollstein: Hendrick Hondius,” entry within the 576–606 series allocation)
• Rijksmuseum: Object Number BI-1897-A-1240-26 — https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200614047
• British Museum: Museum Number 1933,0614.132— https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1933-0614-132

Price & Shipping:

AU$287 (approximately US$202.35 / €175.32 / £150.27—subject to daily currency fluctuations) including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you’re interested in acquiring this rare allegorical etching, connecting the sense of touch with the principles of classical architecture, please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly provide a secure PayPal invoice for a smooth, fully protected transaction.