Description
Apollonius the Hermit-Jan Sadeler-16 th CenturyFlemish Engraving after Marten de Vos
An engraving on laid paper by Jan Sadeler I (1550-1600),after Marten de Vos (1532-1603), titled Apollonius the Hermit and dated1586-1588. The print comes from Solitudo Sive Vitae Patrum Eremicolarum, a late16th-century series devoted to hermits and early Christian ascetics, publishedby Raphael Sadeler I. The composition depicts Apollonius, an early Christianhermit associated with the ascetic tradition of the Desert Fathers, kneeling ina wooded wilderness as divine light descends from above. This print is the 8thplate in the series. Other impressions of this print are held by majorcollections including the Rijksmuseum.
The lower margin includes the printed inscription:“Solivagus postquam primis errasset ab annis Austerae vitae cultor APOLLONIUS,Linquere desertum divina voce iubetur, Legisque in populum spargere dogmasacrae. (After Apollonius, solitary from his earliest years and a practitionerof the austere life, had wandered, he is commanded by a divine voice to leavethe desert and spread among the people the doctrine of the sacred law.)” Theplate also includes the publisher inscription “Sadeler excud.” and a previouscollector’s inscription “147” in the margin.
The print is in fair condition. The sheet shows age-relatedcoloration and handling marks. There are stains in the margins and on verso.There are small chips along the edges, including the two largest chips alongthe top edge. The verso has remnant tape marks. Unframed. Please refer to thepictures for condition.
Details • Medium: Engraving on laid paper • Engraver: Jan Sadeler I • After: Marten de Vos • Publisher: Raphael Sadeler I • Title: Apollonius the Hermit • Date: 1586-1588 • Series: Solitudo Sive Vitae Patrum Eremicolarum • Inscriptions: Printed Latin inscription in lower margin; printed publisherline “Sadeler excud.” • Marks: Previous collector’s inscription “147” in margin • Catalogue References:
– TIB 356 1(2);
– Hollstein Dutch 385;
– Hollstein Dutch 972
• Provenance:
– Fletcher-Copenhaver Fine Art;
– The Potomack Company, Alexandria, VA, US;
• Framing: Unframed • Dimensions:
– Paper: 13.25 x 9.75 in
– Image: 7.75 x 6 in
• Condition Report: Fair condition; age-related colorationand handling marks; stains on margins and verso; small chips on edges, largesttwo on top edge; tape remnants on verso; unframed
Disclaimer I have conducted thorough research to ensure the accuracy and authenticity ofthis work to the best of my ability. However, it is sold as is, with noguarantees or warranties regarding its provenance or historical attribution.
