“ Completly  hardly  ever  occuring ”

Boel, Pieter (Antwerp 1622 – Paris 1674). Wild ducks and bittern by a pond. Nearby a round tower half hidden by leaf-wood. Vis-à-vis a scant scenery of hills. Etching. Inscribed: P. B. F., but here to read as B. P F. 16 x 23.2 cm.

Bartsch + Wurzbach 5; Nagler, Monogramm., IV, 2831 (“Bartsch not noticed the letters”). – Sheet 5 of the “Completely hardly ever occuring (6-sheet) set” (Cat. Davidsohn 677 with the complete copy formerly in the Sträter collection) of prey birds, “Diversi ucelli”, of which Nagler mentions the Rigal copy. In Schwerdt only the first sheet with the title (III, 37) and also here even single leaves are missing in a multitude of catalogues of well-known collections of old masters formed in 19/20th centuries up to that of the immense Weigel stock (parts I-XXVIII, 1838/57) with its well over 20,000 items. In the latter only the second suite of wild birds Wurzbach 9-14.

Later impression without the number on typographically watermarked laid paper with 2.7-5.5 cm wide margins. In respect of its practical non-occurrence nevertheless not only thematically an opportunity of degrees, but an artistical-intellectual experience, too, as the rare Boel worked nearly without decoration.

He is “one of the most skilfull animal painters … presumably a pupil of Frans Snyders … He also had etched in copper and delivered masterworks in his prints which deserve the admiration of the artists and connoisseurs. They are rare …” (Nagler).
Offer no. 14,121 / EUR  240. (c. US$ 350.) + shipping

“  … that I have received the parcel in good order. Very well and professional packed indeed. The litho of Mourot is according to my expectations. The drawing is rare. Colouring most probably same time … ”

(Mr. P. v. d. W., June 26, 2003)