St. Agnes

Details

Bartsch 62; Lehrs 67; Falk/Hirthe 67; The New Hollstein 67; Schmitt 67. Literature:
Colmar 1991, Unterlinden Museum, The Handsome Martin, cat. No. K. 30. Provenance:
Paul Prouté (1887-1981), Paris, stamped on the reverse (Lugt 2103c);
Unidentifiable collector’s stamp “CC?” in the round on the reverse (not in Lugt).

Descrizione

Brilliant, deep black and sharp early impression, partly printed with tone at the uncleaned platemark. Overall bright and transparent engraving. With slight smudge scribbles next to the palm leaf. Engravings with this early watermark are labelled “outstandingly fine” by Lehrs. Lehrs knew a total of about 40 copies, of which only 10 were labelled with *** stars.
The early Christian Roman Virgin, crowned with a palm branch and wreath of flowers – as can also be seen in a modest manner in the depictions of the wise virgins – is depicted with great grace. Schongauer contrasts the delicate face with the heavy fullness of the robe in a strong and sharp drapery. St Agnes is the only one of the four large-format saints standing on a small hill whose mound is covered with grass, as is frequently found in later depictions. – Paper barely noticeably stained on the reverse. The corners carefully and unobtrusively restored. On the reverse with former mounting strips and a handwritten collector’s notation in pencil, otherwise in good condition.
Of great rarity!