285 - Hendrick Goltzius - The Last Supper - 1598

Hendrick Goltzius - The Last Supper - 1598 Description: This engraving forms the opening plate of Goltzius's celebrated twelve-part Passion series, executed between 1596 and 1598 (New Hollstein 17–28). Here we have the very close copy 'A' attributed to his workshop. Christ is depicted seated at a table surrounded by the apostles, holding two pieces of bread in His hands, while Saint John rests beside Him. To the right, a servant carrying a large dish of food prepares to descend a short flight of steps. Through the opening in the background, an imposing fortified architectural complex can be seen. In the sky, a cartouche bears Goltzius's dedication to Cardinal Federico Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan. The date 1598 is engraved on a small plaque on the wall. Below the composition appears Goltzius's monogram together with the imperial privilege, “HG Cum privil Sa. Cæ M.” The print is numbered ‘1’ at lower left. A preparatory drawing related to the composition is preserved in Leipzig (Reznicek 33). Dimensions: 20,10 x 13,50 cm Condition: Outstanding impression on watermarked laid paper from the period, trimmed on the plate border, with traces of margins, with traces of old hinges on the verso, traces of old hinges visible on the front plate border well outside the image border, small defect to bottom left corners. Overall in excellent condition. Literature: New Hollstein (Dutch & Flemish) / The New Hollstein: Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts 1450-1700 (17) (Hendrick Goltzius; copy a)(17) ----- Hollstein / Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts c.1450-1700 (21) (Goltzius; copy)(21) ----- Strauss 1977 / Hendrik Goltzius: the complete engravings and woodcuts (356) ----- Bartsch / Le Peintre graveur (III.20.27) Medium: Engraving Date: 1598