Dutch Print “Description Du Blaisois” in Italian Frame With Mirrors

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Description

The wooden frame enclosing the print is highly distinctive and unusual; it was recently crafted by a master cabinetmaker in … Read more The wooden frame enclosing the print is highly distinctive and unusual; it was recently crafted by a master cabinetmaker in his workshop, located in Florence's trendiest neighborhood, San Frediano, renowned for its charming and unique artisan shops, where handcrafted goods are still produced. The craftsman incorporated four gleaming mirrors on the sides of the flat part of the frame, angled outward, while the outer frame and inner edge were painted in gold, creating a bright, elegant, and sophisticated optical effect. The print is mounted within a refined black passepartout with a gilded border. "Description du Blaisois" is an original copper engraving, with period-appropriate coloring. It features a decorative cartouche with the title and date 1630, a cartouche with the map’s scale, and another with two coats of arms, where the publisher's name may have been placed. The print depicts the region of Blois, traversed by the Loire River, located in the Loir-et-Cher department of central France. The engraving was created between 1705 and 1710 in the Netherlands through the collaboration of Gerard Valck (1652–1726), a Dutch engraver, and Peter Schenk (1660–1718), a Dutch engraver and cartographer. Both were prominent figures in the fields of cartography and printmaking in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Starting in the 1680s, Valck and Schenk worked closely together, achieving significant results in cartography and decorative printmaking. They were both associated with the Blaeu family, one of the most important Dutch cartographer dynasties. After the great fire that destroyed the Blaeu family's headquarters in 1672, Valck and Schenk acquired many of the family's copperplates and used them to produce new editions of maps and atlases. One of the most famous works from their collaboration was the Atlas Contractus, an atlas first published in 1695, which included maps of various world regions. The atlas was distinguished by its high artistic quality and exceptional geographical accuracy. In addition to the Atlas Contractus, Valck and Schenk produced numerous city views, navigation charts, and globes. Their maps were not only practical tools but also works of art, admired for their beauty and craftsmanship. The legacy of Gerard Valck and Peter Schenk extends far beyond their time. Their works are still sought after by collectors and appreciated for their historical and artistic value. Their collaboration left a lasting impact on the history of Dutch cartography and the evolution of printmaking in Europe. During the 17th century, the Dutch were renowned for their innovative and meticulous printing techniques. One of the most prominent methods of the time was engraving. In this technique, the artist uses a burin, a sharp tool, to etch lines directly onto a metal plate, typically copper, but sometimes zinc or steel. The burin allows the artist to create precise, clean lines, and by varying the pressure and angle of the tool, a wide range of textures and shading effects can be achieved. The engraved lines were then inked, and the plate was used to transfer the image onto paper, often using a press. The Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century was a period of great advancement in this art form, and Dutch prints from this era are renowned for their intricate details, rich textures, and masterful use of light and shadow. These prints played a key role in spreading art and ideas across Europe, contributing to the broader cultural exchange of the time. The framed print is a unique piece with significant historical value, while also serving as an exclusive and highly sought-after decorative item. Both the frame and the print are in excellent condition.
Dimensions: Frame: width 27 cm, height 33 cm, depth 3 cm
Print: 9 x 15 cm
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