277 - Matthäus Merian - Hermits at the forest stream, near Münchenstein

Matthäus Merian - Hermits at the forest stream, near Münchenstein Description: Zwei klausner am Waldbach (Münchenstein. This is an early impression of the first state of two, before the number, and with still square plate borders. Shown are two monks in conversation, a simple chapel at left. In the distance at right, the castle of Münchenstein. (Wüttrich: Basler Zeit 1620/1624, Unbezeichnete Baumreiche Gegegenden 546-563). This print dates from the first half of Merian his career, in his twenties . Matthäus Merian I (1593-1650), born in Basel, Switzerland moved to Oppenheim in 1617 and when the city of Oppenheim was destroyed in 1620 by fire during the Spanish occupation he moved back to Basel. Merian married the daughter of Theodor de Bry in 1617 and worked for his father-in-law. In his early works, he showed a great talent for free landscape etching after his own designs, close to his contemporains Jan van de Velde and other fine Dutch landscape artist. His landscape art from that period deserves more attention and appreciation as it is far more interesting than his later. Rare in this very early impression of an exceptional printing quality. Dimensions: 11,55 x 14,85 cm Condition: Excellent very early impression of the first state with square plate borders, with no wear and still some ink smudges in the borders. In excellent condition on a sheet of laid paper tipped with corners on a support sheet. Mild foxing of the margins. Literature: Wüthrich 1966-1996 (Merian) - 549, I / II. Medium: Etching Date: 1620-1624