St. Jerome in the desert

Details

Bartsch 61; Meder 57 probably b (from g); Schoch/Mende/Scherbaum 6 probably b (from g).

Description

Excellent, evenly rich and black impression, effectively reproducing the shadows on the rock between the two areas of light. With a fine margin line along the top and bottom edges, cut to the image on the sides. This watermark (Meder watermark 39) indicates an “f” status. Based on the pure and clear print quality, this illustration can be assigned to a “b” condition and is similar in print quality to the Schweinfurt Meder “a” edition. The faint trace of smudging can still be seen on the saint’s chest, which suggests a Mede “b” condition, but the diagonal scratch is already visible on the saint’s upper arm, which becomes clear in later prints. However, the large scratch on the right, parallel to the edge, which indicates an “f” state, cannot be seen. – The bottom and top left corners reattached. A small, closed tear on the lower right edge. The upper right corner carefully repaired. A tiny, carefully closed tear in the middle of the upper edge, otherwise in good condition.