Adriaen Collaert, “Adulthood Under the Influence of the Sun”, 1581, after Maarten de Vos

Adriaen Collaert (c. 1560–1618)

“Adulthood Under the Influence of the Sun” (also known as “Sol” and “Volwassenheid onder invloed van de zon”), 1581

Technical Details & Condition:

Engraving on fine laid paper with full margins as published. This is plate 4 in the series of eight engravings (including the title plate) titled “Septem Planetæ” (aka “The Seven Planets and Seven Ages”; “De zeven planeten en zeven leeftijden”; “Septem planetae, septem hominis”), illustrating the power of the seven planets over the seven ages of mankind. The work is based on a design by Maarten de Vos (aka Maarten de Vos; Maerten de Vos) (1532–1602) and was published in Antewerp by Gerard de Jode (aka Geeraert/Geerart/Gerardo/Gheerde/Gheraerde/Girard de Jode) (1516/17–1591).

The engraving is a well-printed slightly silvery impression. Aside from holes at the upper edge of the margin (possibly binding holes) and minor staining in the margin at upper right, the sheet is in good condition, free from tears, folds, abrasions, or significant stains.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 36.5 x 25.3 cm
• Platemark: 30.3 x 22.3 cm
• Image borderline: 28.7 x 21.8 cm

In-Plate Lettering:

• Within the image borderline: (upper centre) “SOL”; (lower left) “HONOS”
• Below the image: (centre) “Est HONOR hunc ætas Sectatur quarta Iuuentus / Quartus et his claris SOL quoque clarus adest” (translation: There is Honour, which the fourth age—Youth—pursues; and, accompanying these illustrious figures, the Sun—itself illustrious—is also present.); (right) “4”

References:

• Hollstein (Maarten de Vos) 1369
• New Hollstein (De Jode dynasty) 638
• The British Museum: Museum Number 1862,0712.324 — https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1862-0712-324
• The Rijksmuseum: Object Number RP-P-1981-67 — https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200175204. The Rijksmuseum describes this print: “In the sky hovers the planet god Sol, the sun. In the foreground are the personifications of Honos, Honor, depicted as a soldier and a virtuous housewife who is spinning. In the background, a knightly tournament. The print has a Latin caption and is part of a seven-part series about the power of the seven planets over the seven ages of man.”

Price & Shipping:

AU$336 (approximately US$233.56 / €208.31 / £176.39), inclusive of worldwide express shipping. Please note that import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in owning this symbolism-rich engraving, it carries a remarkable historical resonance: it was published in 1581, the exact year the Low Countries signed the Act of Abjuration to declare independence from Spain. This masterpiece was born at the chaotic, brilliant turning point that forged the Dutch Republic and sparked the Golden Age of Northern printmaking. Please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly send you a PayPal invoice for an easy and secure purchase.

This print has been sold

Adriaen Collaert, “Middle Age Under the Influence of Mars”, 1581, after Maarten de Vos

Adriaen Collaert (circa 1560–1618)

“Middle Age Under the Influence of Mars” (also known as “Middelbare leeftijd onder invloed van Mars”), 1581

Technical Details & Condition:

Engraving on fine laid paper with full margins as published. This is plate 5 in the series of eight engravings (including the title plate) titled “Septem Planetæ” (aka “The Seven Planets and Seven Ages”; “De zeven planeten en zeven leeftijden”; “Septem planetae, septem hominis”), illustrating the astrological power of the seven planets over the corresponding seven stages of human life. The work is engraved after a composition by Maerten de Vos (1532–1602) and was published in Antwerp by Gerard de Jode (1516/17–1591).

This representation of Mars as the mythological God of War moves far beyond conventional battle attributes like armour, shields, and weaponry. It introduces a deeper allegorical layer, framing Mars as a personification of the ideal traits of a mature man in his prime: physical strength perfectly balanced by wisdom, foresight, and careful judgment.

The Latin couplet below the image highlights that true strength (fortis) is useless without foresight (providus) and sound judgment (discretio). In the Renaissance view of life cycles, the fifth age (roughly ages 40 to 50) is the pinnacle of human capability, wherein physical power matches intellectual maturity.

The engraving is a crisp impression with a slightly silvery tone. Aside from minor handling marks confined to the outer margins, the sheet remains in excellent condition—clean, structurally sound, and completely free from tears, folds, abrasions, or significant staining.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 36.4 x 25.3 cm
• Platemark: 30.3 x 22.3 cm
• Image borderline: 28.8 x 22.1 cm

Plate Lettering:

• Within the image borderline: (upper edge) “MARS”; (lower right) “DISCRETIO”
• Below the image borderline: (centre) “Fit DISCRETIO prudens quinta ætate virili / Prouidus et fortis MARS quibus usque valet” (Translation: “Prudent discernment develops during the fifth age of manhood, by which a foresightful and courageous Mars prevails everywhere.”); (right of centre) “5”

References:

• Hollstein (Maarten de Vos) 1370
• New Hollstein (De Jode dynasty: Gherard) 639
• The British Museum: Museum Number 1862,0712.325 —  https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1862-0712-325
• The Rijksmuseum: Object Number RP-P-1981-68 — https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200175205.

Price & Shipping:

AU$336 (approximately US$234.46 / €206.56 / £176.72), inclusive of worldwide express shipping. Please note that import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this rare, symbol-rich Master Engraving—completed just 17 years after the passing of Michelangelo—please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly prepare and send a PayPal invoice for a secure and straightforward transaction.

This print has been sold

Adriaen Collaert, “Saint Christina of Bolsena”, circa 1600

Adriaen Collaert (circa 1560–1618)

“Saint Christina of Bolsena” (also known as “Heilige Christina” [Saint Christina]), circa 1590–1610

Technical Details & Condition:

Engraving on fine laid paper, trimmed close to the image borderline on the left and upper edges; full margins preserved on the right and lower edges. 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.

This engraving is from a series of twenty-four plates depicting female martyr saints “Martyrologium Sanctorum Virginum”, published by Adriaen Collaert in Antwerp.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 21.6 x 16.2 cm
• Outer image borderline: 19.5 x 15 cm

In-Plate Lettering:

• Lower left: “Adrian. Collaert excud.”
• Upper centre: “S. CHRISTINA.”
• Lower centre: “Vade age, ne dubita: Serpentum Sibila sperne, / Hæc nihil in sancta virgine iuris habent.”

(Translation: “Go, come, do not doubt: despise the hissing of the serpents; these have no power over the holy virgin”)

References:

• New Hollstein Dutch 804 (Ann Diels and Marjolein Leesberg [comp.], “The New Hollstein: Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings, and Woodcuts 1450–1700: The Collaert Dynasty”, vol. 4, 2005–06, Ouderkerk aan den Ijssel, Sound and Vision, p. 47, cat. no. 804)
• Hollstein Dutch 260–283 (F. W. H. Hollstein, “Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings, and Woodcuts 1450–1700: BRUN–COQUES”, 1949, vol. 4, Amsterdam, Menno Hertzberger, p. 203, cat. nos. 260–283 [FEMALE SAINTS / Martyrologium sanctorum virginum])
• Rijksmuseum: Object Number RP-P-2014-66-13 — https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200598195

Price & Shipping:

AU$304 (Approximately US$214.07 / €185.38 / £158.99 — subject to daily currency fluctuations), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you’re interested in acquiring this sensitively executed engraving of Saint Christina—complete with her traditional attributes and framed within an exquisite border of flowers and birds—please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly provide a secure PayPal invoice for a smooth, fully protected transaction.