The Iron Age – 17th Century Engraving – Robert de Baudous-after Antonio Tempesta

Description

The Iron Age – 17th Century Engraving – Robert de Baudous after Antonio Tempesta

Engraving titled Aetas Ferrea / De yseren eeuw (The Iron Age). This is the fourth plate from the series De vier wereldtijdperken (The Four Ages of the World), designed by Italian master Antonio Tempesta (1555–1630) and engraved by Dutch printmaker Robert de Baudous (Robert Willemsz. de Baudous, 1574–1659). The first state of the series was published in 1599. The present impression is a later state (II or III), identifiable by the addition of Dutch inscriptions along the lower margin. The composition depicts the Iron Age as an era of war and injustice. Another impression of this plate is held in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

The sheet is in fair condition. It has been trimmed just outside the plate mark and mounted to a window mat along the edges. The lower right corner was damaged and has been retouched by hand. Additional minor damages, creases, and a vertical fold mark are visible within the image. The laid paper shows typical age-related discoloration. Despite these flaws, the impression remains strong.

Print Details

Image Size: 13 × 9 in

Mat Size: 20 × 13.75 in

Year: 1600–1657

Technique: Copper engraving

Paper: Laid paper with watermark

Condition: Fair – strong impression; trimmed outside plate mark; mounted on window mat by the edges; lower right corner damaged and retouched; minor damages and creases; vertical fold mark; age-related discoloration; unframed

Catalogue References

Hollstein Dutch 120

Bartsch 1332