Description
Brentano-Birkenstock Collection – 16th-Century Engraving Adorationof the Magi by Francesco Brizio after Ludovico Carracci
This is a rare opportunity to own a 400-year-oldengraving that once belonged to the esteemed Brentano-BirkenstockCollection.
The Brentano-Birkenstock Collection ( Lugt 345 )was one of the most prestigious fine art print collections of the 18thand 19th centuries. It was established by Austrian diplomat and artcollector Johann Birkenstock (1738–1809) and his daughter AntonieBrentano (1780–1869)—a philanthropist, art collector, and patron ofvarious artists, including German composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Over morethan a century, they amassed thousands of first-rate engravings, drawings,books, and paintings.
In 1870, following Antonie Brentano’s death, 3,537works from the collection were auctioned in Frankfurt by artist andart dealer F. A. C. Prestel. In the preface of his auction catalog,Prestel stated that the Brentano-Birkenstock Collection’s stamp would be “as valuable a certificate as the signature of P. Mariette, the markers ofthe Count of Arundel, or those of Prince de Ligne.” Engravings from thiscollection are relatively rare on the market. Notably, in 2021,an engraving of St. Thomas by Martin Schongauer (1435–1491) fromthis collection sold for $9,840 at Winter Associates Auction.
The current print, Adoration of the Magi (State 2of 3 – Bartsch XVIII.199.1, HIB Vol. 47 pt. 1, commentary ), wasattributed to Francesco Brizio (1574–1623) after Italian masterpainter Ludovico Carracci (1555–1619) ( incorrectly attributed on theplate to Annibale Carracci, 1560–1609 ). It was published by JustusSadeler. This engraving depicts the Three Wise Kings celebrating thebirth of Jesus. The bottom inscription reads:
“Anibal Caratius inuentor et fetit” ( designedby Annibale Carracci , which should have been Ludovico Carracci) and “JustusSadeler excudit”.
The Brentano-Birkenstock Collection’s blue stamp isfound on the back, along with a pencil note “B XVIII199-b1” ( referencing Bartsch Vol. 18, Page 199 ). A record ofthis print appears in Prestel’s 1870 auction catalog:
“CATALOGUE de la célèbre collection D’ESTAMPES DEFEU MADAME ANTONIA BRENTANO née de Birckenstock” (1870, under Carracci(Annibale) 1560–1609, Page 225: “2182. L’Adoration des Rois. La Vierge aucorbeau blanc. B. XVIII, p. 199, 1 et p. 201, 4. Très-belles épreuves”).
Interestingly, Bartsch XVIII, p. 199 discusses thepainter after whom this print was made and suggests it should be LudovicoCarracci rather than Annibale Carracci. However, despite citing Bartsch, Prestelstill listed this print under Annibale Carracci.
Condition:
- Size: 8.5 x 7.5 inches
- Paper: Printed on laid paper
- Margins: Narrow or trimmed margin, plate mark visible
- Printing Quality: Strong, crisp ink lines suggest an early impression
- Mounting: Mounted on a window mat
- Overall Condition: Good for its age, with minor coloration and foxing
Disclaimer:
I have conducted thorough research to ensure the accuracyand authenticity of this engraving to the best of my ability. However, it issold as is, with no guarantees or warranties regarding its provenance orhistorical attribution.
