Description
Albrecht Altdorfer-Ecce Homo-Early 16th Century GermanWoodcut-New Hollstein W25
An original early 16th-century woodcut by GermanRenaissance master Albrecht Altdorfer (ca. 1480–1538), titled Ecce Homo, fromhis forty-print series The Fall and Salvation of Mankind Through the Life andPassion of Christ. Created circa 1513, the composition depicts Christ presentedto the people following his scourging, surrounded by soldiers and onlookerswithin a densely rendered architectural setting. Altdorfer’s AA monogramappears in the upper right on the doorway.
This is an early impression associated with the firstprinting campaign of the series. New Hollstein records the earliest series asprinted on whole sheets, with multiple woodblocks printed together before theindividual compositions were separated. The series consisted of forty smallwoodcuts, originally arranged eight impressions to a sheet on five sheets. Thisearly format predates the later single-impression printings and thesubstantially later 1604 Froben edition of Icones Sacrae. The work iscatalogued as New Hollstein W.25, Bartsch 25, The Illustrated Bartsch 25,Dodgson II 25, Geisberg 16, Winzinger 50, and TIB 25.
Albrecht Altdorfer was one of the leading artists of theGerman Renaissance and a central figure of the Danube School. Active primarilyin Regensburg, he worked as a painter, draughtsman, printmaker, architect, andcivic official. The Fall and Salvation of Mankind is among his most importantwoodcut cycles and is notable for compressing complex biblical narratives intoexceptionally small and intricate compositions.
The print is in good condition for its age and retains astrong, dark impression with fine details clearly visible. There is generalcoloration and minor scattered foxing. Several small losses and notches arepresent along the upper edge. Old tape, adhesive, and mounting remnants arepresent on the verso, together with pencil inscriptions. An indistinctwatermark is visible under transmitted light. Unframed. Please refer to thepictures for condition.
Details:
• Artist: Albrecht Altdorfer (ca. 1480–1538)
• Title: Ecce Homo
• Series: The Fall and Salvation of Mankind Through theLife and Passion of Christ
• Date: ca. 1513
• Medium: Woodcut on laid paper
• Catalogue Raisonné:
– New HollsteinW.25
– Bartsch 25
– TheIllustrated Bartsch 25
– Dodgson II 25
– Geisberg 16
– Winzinger 50
– TIB 25
• Dimensions:
– Paper: 3 x 2in
• Inscriptions: Pencil inscriptions on verso, including“B.25”
• Framing: Unframed
• Condition: Good for its age, with a strong impression;general coloration and minor scattered foxing, several small losses and notchesalong the upper edge, old tape, adhesive, and mounting remnants on verso, andpencil inscriptions on verso. Please refer to the pictures for condition.
________________________________________
Disclaimer:
I have conducted thorough research to ensure the accuracyand authenticity of this work to the best of my ability. However, it is sold asis, with no guarantees or warranties regarding its provenance or historicalattribution.
