engraving, illegible watermark shield
41.2 x 29.2 cm (plate); 46.2 x 34.3 cm (sheet)
Hollstein 108, first state (of three)
An exceptionally fine proof impression before the letter, apart from a few minor unobtrusive foxmarks in impeccable condition

Provenance:
Frederic Robert Halsey (1847-1918), New York (L. 1308, twice and possibly with his inscription (Nòseda, 1876 £t.x.x).

This large and well-preserved print is part of a series of 34 engravings (titled Variarum Imaginum a celeberrimis artificibus pictarum caelaturae elegantissimis tabulis repraesentatae) after Dutch and Italian paintings from the collection of Gerard Reynst. The wealthy merchant and Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies owned one of the most important art and artefact collections of his time and for the series after paintings from his collection he commissioned the best engravers of his time including Cornelis Visscher, Theodor Matham and Van Dalen II.