186 - Hans Vredeman de Vries, Gerard de Jode - Belshazzar’s Feast: The Writing on the Wall, 1585.

Hans Vredeman de Vries, Gerard de Jode - Belshazzar’s Feast: The Writing on the Wall, 1585. Description: Hans Vredeman de Vries (1527–c.1607), published by Gerard de Jode (1509–1591) – Belshazzar’s Feast: The Writing on the Wall, 1585. King Belshazzar is seated at a sumptuous banquet surrounded by his courtiers when the mysterious hand appears and writes the prophetic words upon the wall (Daniel 5). The dramatic biblical episode is staged within a spectacular imaginary Renaissance palace, dominated by monumental columns, soaring vaults, richly ornamented architecture and strongly constructed perspective, characteristic of Hans Vredeman de Vries. The numerous figures gathered around the banquet table contrast with the extraordinary scale and complexity of the architectural setting. Plate 5 from the series of six engravings illustrating the Story of Daniel, published by Gerard de Jode as part of his Thesaurus Sacrarum Historiarum Veteris Testamenti, Antwerp, 1585. Lettered below with the Latin verse beginning “Dum sedet in mensa Rex...” and numbered 5. Engraving after Hans Vredeman de Vries, published by Gerard de Jode. Dimensions: 24,20 x 32,30 cm Condition: Very good impression with nice plate tone early Gothic P watermarked thin laid paper, trimmed on the plate border, with some traces of margins, narrow at some other places. Overall in very good condition. Literature: New Hollstein (Dutch & Flemish) / The New Hollstein: Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts 1450-1700 (207.II) (De Jode Dynasty: Gerard)(207.II) Provenance: Felix Oswald Heinrich Graefe (Lugt 1092), his collection stamp on the collection sheet it was tipped on wit htwo small hinges, now removed. Medium: Engraving Date: 1585