Beschrijving
Two large triangular prints with reproductions of the architectural details of the Palace on the Dam Square in Amsterdam (in Dutch, known as the Stadhuis van Amsterdam, or the Royal Palace of Amsterdam).The first is an allegory of Amsterdam's victory over the sea. It shows the Amsterdam Virgin, surrounded by mythological sea creatures, such as nereids, hippocampi, tritons, fish, seals, a swan and a crocodile. The second is an allegory of Amsterdam's commerce with the four continents. Centrally, it features the Amsterdam Virgin, with at her feet the river gods of the Amstel and the IJ. She is surrounded by four personifications of the continents America (with feather headdress), Asia (turban, camel and incense burner), Europ (imperial crown and cornucopia) and Africa (sun hat, lions and elephant).
Etching and engraving on hand laid paper, printed from three plates on three sheets. Made by Hubert Quellinus after the sculptures made by his brother, Artus Quellinus. Ca. 166 x 44 cm and 175 x 45 cm., dated 1664.
Hubert Quellinus (Antwerp 1619 – 1687 Antwerp) was a printmaker, draughtsperson and painter. He was a member of the prominent Quellinus family of artists, and his engravings reproducing the work of his sculptor brother, Artus Quellinus, were very importrant for the spread of the Flemish Baroque style in Europe. Artus Quellinus I (Antwerp 1609 – 1668 Antwerp) was a Flemish sculptor, and older brother of Hubert. He is regarded as the most important Baroque sculptor from the Southern Netherlands.
In decent condition, for the sheer size of these sheets. Both are folded multiple times, as issued, but both also have some additional (sometimes sharp) creases. Some of the folds are tearing, into the image, but without paper loss.
References: Hollstein Dutch 288: 5. Hollstein gives no states, but at least two different states are recognised by the Prentenkabinet of the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. Of these, this is the first (the second having additional lettering in the lower margin).
