Early 17th C. : Rare folio series of the Twelve Apostles

Early 17th C. : Rare folio series of the twelve apostles This is a series of Flemish prints of importance: It is a rare series:Never seen elsewhere and not found after a profound search in any online museum collection.The impressions are early:Early watermarked laid paper, still with slightly visible guiding lines for the text, very clear etched lines, a zone horizontal middle where you can see that the sheets have been hang on a rope to dry, some ink offset of another print on the backside on some sheets usually only found on very early impressions. The series are complete and in very good condition. I have not been able to find the origin of this set.The setting in a renaissance portico is similar to some works published around 1610 at the court of Rudolf Prague. This is probably the dating to be put on these prints. Design and engraver to be searched in the Flemish circle. Flemish prints from second half 16th century One of the most underestimated segments in engraving art is the great Antwerp period of the 1560-1590 period. At this time Antwerp was the main art centre of the world, both in trade and art perspective. Antwerp was sacked in 1584-85.The religious troubles and wars against the Spanish and French forced the intelligenciae and artists to move, mainly too Amsterdam and other Dutch city's. This explains the Golden Dutch Age.Second half 16th century the Flemish burin engravers brought engraving to the state of the Art. The genius technique of the Wierix, the Sadeler and the Galle and Collaert family was surpassed only by the mannerist schools of Haarlem at the following early 17th century. The Flemish school was very prosperous at the period, supported by famous publishers like Galle and De jode. They produced a large amount of prints. The burin engravings of that period or of an exquisite quality and have a nice larger format. This is an opportunity to acquire some of these works while it is still possible. We are speaking of art going back to the years 1500'..s !It is amazing this art is still available nowadays and that at a price one still can afford. Reference See my other auctions at EBay auctions Fleming . read more