5150 - Mellan, Claude

Mellan, Claude The Veil of St. Veronica. Copperplate engraving. 43 x 31.5 cm. 1649. Le Blanc 33 II, Montaiglon 25. Mark: grapes with a secondary mark; a scroll bearing the initials COL. Undoubtedly Mellan’s most famous print, and one of the most groundbreaking prints of all time. Masterfully engraved in a single line without any cross-hatching, the face of Christ—said to have appeared on the so-called Veil of St. Veronica—emerges from the spirals. The first state, described based on a counterprint without the text, likely never existed. Excellent, even print with slight raised relief on the reverse, cut to the mostly visible plate edge, in places minimally within it. Overall, slightly foxed; on the reverse, a slight smoothed center fold, thin spots, marginal glazing, and short, partly closed marginal tears; mounting residues on the reverse; otherwise in very fine and original condition. From the George Ambrose Cardew Collection (Lugt 1134). - 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.