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 the Younger (1497, Augsburg – 1543, London): Portrait of Bishop John Fisher of Rochester with his severed head, 18th century, etching Technique: Etching and copper engraving on paper, mounted on paper Inscription: Signed in the lower part of the printing plate: “Jacobus Houbraken sculps. Amst. |Holben pinx.” Inscribed in the upper middle of the printing plate: “FISHER BISHOP OF ROCHESTER.” At the bottom, a further inscription reads: “In the Collection of Mr. Richardson.” Date: 18th century Description: The image depicts a portrait of John Fisher, the Bishop of Rochester, framed by an elaborate oval bearing the inscription “FISHER BISHOP OF ROCHESTER.” The bishop is wearing a traditional robe with fur trim and a bishop’s miter. His facial expression is serious and focused. Papal insignia, including a tiara and crossed keys, are depicted above the oval. In the lower part of the picture are angels and putti, symbolizing purity and innocence. One of the putti is holding a bishop’s miter. On the left are the bishop’s severed head and an axe, indicating the execution of the historical figure. The composition uses dramatic light and shadow effects to convey depth and grandeur. Keywords: John Fisher; Bishop; Portrait; Rochester; Tiara; Insignia; Angel; Putti; Fur robe; Cap; Symbolism; Religion; Church; Renaissance; Sacred; Light and 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), Image size: 35.6 cm x 21.7 cm (14 x 8.5 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. The sheet is slightly discolored due to age. The edges are cleanly cut. The sheet backing has tiny puncture marks in the corners, presumably from fastening. The paper is minimally creased in the left margin. The print is in good condition, with well-preserved printing ink, fine lines, and details. The reverse side bears a faint imprint of another work. A thin, glued-on paper margin runs all around the reverse side.