5219 - Visscher II, Claes Jansz.

Visscher II, Claes Jansz. First Anniversary of the Amsterdam Theater. Etching after David Vinckboons. 38.1 x 23.8 cm. 1618. Hollstein 30. The illustration depicts a scene from the play “Ghezelschap der Goden” (The Assembly of the Gods) by the Amsterdam poet Samuel Coster, who was one of the founders of the Eerste Nederduytsche Academie theater in 1617. On the occasion of the academy’s first anniversary, the play “Ghezelschap der Goden” premiered on August 1, 1618. The Olympian gods have gathered around Apollo, who represents moral excellence. To their right, we see a group of allegorical figures associated with the city of Amsterdam, including Minerva, Justitia, and a river god holding a model ship bearing the city’s banner as an attribute. The Academy’s motto, a beehive symbolizing diligence, crowns the depiction. The etching is rare. An excellent, high-contrast print with even margins. Minimal signs of age and wear; otherwise in very fine condition. - 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.