One of the quite early Representations of Bird Hunting
Stradanus, Johannes (= Jan van der Straet, Brugge 1523 – Florence 1605). Intentus merulis Auceps, sic retia tendit. Bird Hunt with Crossbows (Balesters). The variety of bird hunting in picturesque landscape. Engraving with etching. (1578.) 21.5 x 29.2 cm.
Nagler, Stradanus, XVII, 449; Wurzbach, Philip Galle, 27; Schwerdt II, 227; Catalogue DJM, 1979, 5759 with ills. p. 66 (engraving + contemp. ballester).
Sheet 32 of the 2nd part of Venationes ferarum … of altogether 104 – later supposedly even more – sheets, worked after Stradanus by different engravers and published by Ph. Galle (1537 Antwerp 1612). The plates, however, had been used in other compilations, too. Here without number which neither seems to have been removed between the Latin distich. – Rest of chain watermark. – With surrounding margin of 4-5 mm and mounted by old before previous binding on laid paper. The resulting centerfold barely visible only. – Backed tear in the mounting paper.
Marvelous impression still with plate dirt in the text margin of this
instructive and by its variety especially charming early representation .
Big in the foreground three hunters marching out with schneppers, bell, and further devices, while a returning one presents his bag (snipes?) to those staying home. Below the terrace an equally armed group of three, combing a small wood. In the middle distance then the working with lime-twigs, the hating against the decoy-birds. Scattered partly imposing estates.
Offer no. 28,100 / EUR 340. / export price EUR 323. (c. US$ 440.) + shipping
„ I have seen your excellent promo for this item (referring the Diego Ribeiro map) and I may be interested in acquiring it for a very important gift … “
(Mr. M. A. B., December 5, 2008)