471 - J. HOUBRAKEN (*1698) after HOLBEIN (*1497), Portrait of John Fisher, Etching

J. HOUBRAKEN (*1698) after HOLBEIN (*1497), Portrait of John Fisher, Etching Jacobus Houbraken (1698 Dordrecht - 1780 Amsterdam) after Hans Holbein jun. (1497 Augsburg - 1543 London): Portrait of Bishop John Fisher of Rochester with severed head, 18th century, Etching Technique: Etching and Copper engraving on Paper, mounted on Paper Inscription: At the lower part signed in the printing plate: "Jacobus Houbraken sculps. Amst. |Holben pinx.". Upper middle inscribed in the printing plate: "FISHER BISHOP OF ROCHESTER". At the lower part further inscription: "In the Collection of Mr. Richardson". Date: 18th century Description: The picture shows a portrait of John Fisher, the Bishop of Rochester, framed by an elaborate oval with the inscription "FISHER BISHOP OF ROCHESTER". The bishop is wearing a traditional robe with fur trim and a bishop's mitre. His facial expression is serious and focussed. Papal insignia, including a tiara and crossed keys, are depicted above the oval. In the lower part of the picture are angels and putti, symbolising purity and innocence. One of the putti is holding a bishop's mitre. On the left is the bishop's severed head and an axe, indicating the execution of the historical figure. The composition utilises dramatic light and shadow effects to convey depth and grandeur. Keywords: John Fisher; Bishop; Portrait; Rochester; Tiara; Insignia; Angel; Putten; Fur robe; Cap; Symbolism; Religion; Church; Renaissance; Sacral; Light-Shadow; Engraving; Art; Historical; Dignity; Execution; 18th century; Baroque; Portraits; Netherlands; Size: Paper: 40,4 cm x 26,4 cm (15,9 x 10,4 in), Plate: 36,7 cm x 22,6 cm (14,4 x 8,9 in), Depiction: 35,6 cm x 21,7 cm (14 x 8,5 in) Condition: Rather good condition. The sheet is slightly discoloured due to age. The edges are smoothly cut. The sheet support has tiny puncture marks in the corners, presumably from a fastening. Paper minimally creased in the left margin. The print is in good condition, with well-preserved printing ink, fine lines and details. Verso with pale imprint of another work. With thin, glued-on paper margin all round on the reverse.