Code: 10116
Dimensions:
CHRISTOFFEL JEGHER Antwerp 1596 – 1652/3 Antwerp
after PETER PAUL RUBENS Siegen 1577 – 1640 Antwerp
The Rest on the Flight into Egypt.
Chiaroscuro woodcut by Jegher after Rubens; c. 1633. Printed from two blocks, a tone block in red-brown and a black line block. In this form, one of only two woodcuts after Rubens with a chiaroscuro addition. Simon Turner has kindly provided us with the description of the woodcut in the forthcoming New Hollstein volume: New Hollstein 18. Our impression seems to be Turner’s IIIb, with the tone block, and incisions for highlights and clouds, probably conforming to Cambridge K46, but before further highlights in Turner’s state IV cut into the tone block. An example of that state is seen in British Museum (inv. 1868, 0612.29). The old Hollstein volume cites a final state with the removal of Rubens’ name and the privilege removed. The Rubens painting is at The Prado, Madrid.
A very fine impression with the brown tone block and with the outlines of the clouds cut, many white highlights created throughout the image, thus leaving the white of the paper to articulate the details of the sky, the figures of the putti, the dress of the Madonna, etc. In very good condition, especially given the very large size of the sheet. The line block is printing sharply and with some gaufrage, with narrow margins on the sides and bottom and a thread margin above. A small backed tear between the ‘G’ and ‘I’ of ‘PRIVILEGIIS’.
The preparation of the woodcut entailed considerable changes and adjustments. Apparently, the print is rather rare; although Turner cites ten impressions in all states, all but three are in proof states before all adjustments to the blocks were completed. The extended work on the woodcut, especially on the details of both the line block and especially the tone block, suggests that Rubens took an active interest in the print.
Sheet: 464 x 626 mm 18 5/16 x 24 11/16 inches
