Nicolò Nelli, “Saint Mark”, c. 1570–75, after Aldegrever and Pencz

Nicolò Nelli (active 1552–1579)

“Saint Mark”, circa 1570–1575 (Post-Tridentine period)

Dating Note:

The textual layout and vernacular liturgical structure of this leaf align perfectly with the standardised scriptural reforms established after 1570. This identification indicates that the leaf was produced during Nelli’s mature Venetian workshop period. Interestingly, the elegant Roman lapidary display font used for the header text on the verso was the industry standard in leading publishing workshops of Venice during the 1570s.

Technical Details & Condition:

Engraving on fine handmade Renaissance laid paper, trimmed with a small margin around the platemark with letterpress Italian text verso. The engraving was created after the 1539 print by Heinrich Aldegrever (1502–1561), from the series “The Four Evangelists”—see a copy of Aldegrever’s print in the MET collection: Object Number 60.650.2 (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/428374). Aldegrever’s work, in turn, was based on a design by Georg Pencz (circa 1500–1550). 

This leaf was published in Venice by Nicolò Nelli to illustrate a post-Tridentine Epistole e Vangeli (Epistles and Gospels in the vernacular), used for Sunday homilies. The verso heading indicates a liturgical reading: “DOMENICA SECONDA DELL' AVVENTO / EPISTOLA DI SAN PAOLO APOSTOLO A' ROMANI. Cap. 15”—the Second Sunday of Advent, Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans, Chapter 15.

This is a strong, crisp lifetime impression, showing no signs of wear to the printing plate. The sheet exhibits minor, uniform age-toning appropriate for a 16th-century leaf but remains in remarkable condition—completely free of tears, holes, folds, abrasions, foxing, or significant staining.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 17.5 x 13 cm
• Platemark: 16.8 x 12.4 cm

In-Plate lettering:

• Lower left corner: “N N for.” (Nicolò Nelli formis)

Price & Shipping:

AU$370 (approximately US$265.94 / €228.10 / £195.68, subject to daily exchange rates). Price includes worldwide express shipping. Please note that destination import duties and local taxes remain the sole responsibility of the buyer.

If you’re interested in acquiring this exceptionally rare engraving depicting Saint Mark—the Evangelist writing his Gospel while seated on a cloud and accompanied by his lion attribute—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I’ll gladly provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless transaction.