Johannes Visscher, “A Shepherdess at a Spring”, c. 1660, after Nicolaes Berchem

Johannes Visscher (also known as Jan de Visscher) (c. 1636–after 1692)

“A Shepherdess at a Spring” (also known as “Die Hirtinnen beim Brunnen” [Shepherdess at the Well]), c. 1660 (1653–1712)

Contextual Commentary:

This is the title plate to the four-part series “Pastoral Landscapes” (Hollstein 58–61). Although the partial loss of the writing edge makes the identification of the state problematic, this impression is from either the second state (of four)—with the addition of the inscription on the fountain, but before the plate was numbered in state three—or from the final state with the change of publisher from Frederick de Wit (1629/30–1706) to Justus Danckerts (1635–1701).

The composition is based on a drawing by Nicolaes Berchem (1620–1683), currently preserved in the Teylers Museum, Haarlem.

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching with engraving printed on buff-coloured laid paper, trimmed with a thread margin around the image borderline on the top and sides, with a 3 mm margin below the image. The sheet has been professionally mounted to a secondary sheet of archival-quality washi paper providing stable structural support and wide false margins for conservation presentation.

The impression is strong and clear with a greyish overall tone. Aside from a small, professionally replenished spot at upper centre, the sheet remains in very good condition with no significant staining.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 27.3 x 20.9 cm
• Image borderline: 26.7 x 20.7 cm

In-Plate Lettering:

• On fountain stone at left: “CBerghem delin: / J. Vißcher fecit.”

References:

• Hollstein: Dutch 58.II (Christiaan Schuckman, “Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts ca. 1450–1700”, Vol. XLI, 1992, p. 48, cat. no. 58.II)
• Albertina Museum: Object number H/I/64/88 — https://sammlungenonline.albertina.at/objects/489185/die-hirtinnen-beim-brunnen  
• British Museum: Museum number 1870,0709.252 — https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1870-0709-252

Price & Shipping:

AU$267 (approx. US$187.91 / €167.71 / £140.5), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes (if applicable) are the buyer’s responsibility.

To acquire this scene of 17th-century bucolic life, please contact oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless, protected transaction.

Please note: To show the print's intricate details as clearly as possible, the scan contrast has been digitally enhanced. Consequently, the image tones may not be a perfectly faithful representation of the subtilties of the print.