5011 - Anthonisz., Cornelis

Anthonisz., Cornelis The Prodigal Son Is Led to the Temple of Satan. Woodcut. 26.6 x 21.4 cm. Circa 1545. Not listed in Meyer’s Künstlerlexikon, Nijhoff 189, Hollstein (Teunissen) 7. Mark: High Crown. Cornelis Antonisz. was most likely a grandson of Jacob Cornelisz. van Oostsanen, with whom he also served an apprenticeship. In total, he produced approximately 40 woodcuts between 1535 and 1553. With his woodcuts, Cornelis Anthonisz. created “narrative depictions”; typical of his work are the conspicuously placed labels indicating names and thus content, which more clearly explain the scene to the viewer. This sheet is from a six-part series titled “The Prodigal Son.” It seems no coincidence that Anthonisz did not sign the series or mark it with his monogram, as this particular depiction can be interpreted as a caricature of the Pope and the Curia (see Veldman 2006, pp. 94ff). Only the Rijksprentenkabinett holds a complete set of the series. An excellent print with German rather than Latin texts, cut close to the image, with the border at the bottom and on the right. Only minor signs of age, primarily some staining on the reverse, small mounting residues on the reverse; otherwise very beautifully and authentically preserved. Likely a unique specimen of the utmost rarity; this is the only known copy with German text, as mentioned by Hollstein. - Please ask for condition reports for individual lots, as the condition is usually not mentioned in the catalog. - Please ask for condition reports for individual lots, as the condition is usually not mentioned in the catalog.