Early German Lithograph — Inscribed “R. Blum Hanau
1821”
“Rest on the Flight into Egypt”,
1821
Technical Details & Condition:
Lithograph printed in black ink from a key stone with
a grey tint stone on heavy wove paper. The sheet has been trimmed with a small
margin around the image borderline and professionally backed with a support
sheet of archival-quality washi paper.
The lower edge of the sheet features partially
trimmed, historical handwritten notations in brown ink:
• (left) “[A/]B. Bloemart” (referencing the master
designer, Abraham Bloemaert [1564–1651])
• (right) “R. Blum Hanau 1821” (referencing the printmaker or early academic
collection)
The design of this print is after Boetius Adams
Bolswert’s engraving (1612–15) which in turn is after Abraham Bloemaert’s composition
(see my listing of Bolswert’s engraving: https://www.printsandprinciples.com/2016/10/boetius-adams-bolswerts-engraving-after.html).
The impression is evenly printed with strong
tonal contrasts. The upper right corner has been expertly replenished, and
there are old, professionally restored tears, chips, and creases. Aside from
these early structural instabilities (now stabilised by the washi backing), the
sheet remains in good, stable condition without significant staining.
Historical Context:
Executed in 1821, shortly after the development of
lithography by Alois Senefelder, this piece exemplifies early experimentation
with the medium. It features the use of a mid-tone tint stone, employs a grainy
line to mimic the texture of a chalk drawing, and showcases direct scraping on
the stone matrix to enhance tonal contrast—visible, for example, in the Christ
child's halo.
Dimensions:
• Sheet: 40.4 x 32.4 cm
• Image borderline: 39.5 x 31.5 cm
Price & Shipping:
AU$296 (approximately US$207.95 / €180.40 / £154.19),
including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes (if any) are the
buyer’s responsibility.
If you’re interested in acquiring this rare artefact
from the dawn of lithography, please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly
provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.
