504 - Master with the monogram of Jesus Christ (Italy, 16th century) and/or René BOYVIN (Angers, ca. 1525–ca. 1580/98)

Master with the monogram of Jesus Christ (Italy, 16th century) and/or René BOYVIN (Angers, ca. 1525–ca. 1580/98) Libro di Variate Mascare. 1560 Based on works by Frans Huys and Cornelis Floris, who created the original series, after which several copies were made during the 16th century. Composition: Frontispiece signed Renatus B. and 21 plates of grotesque masks, some of which bear the monogram of the Master in the Name of Jesus. Copper engravings. Although Robert-Dumesnil does not mention these compositions in his entries on René Boyvin and they differ significantly from his style, Nagler, in his Dictionary of Monograms, believes they may have been executed by him and removed by the Master in the Name of Jesus, whereas Passavant describes three plates engraved by the latter without mentioning any collaboration with René Boyvin. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum hold several sheets from this series. Bibliographic references: Nagler, Dictionary of Monograms, 2602 Passavant VI.157.26–28 Dimensions: Frontispiece: 14.5 x 12.5 cm ANC Masks: approximately 15 x 13.5 cm, depending on the plate Album dimensions: 27 x 37 cm Condition: All prints are trimmed to the edge of the composition, or within it, and are mounted on vellum sheets enhanced with border lines. Most have been restored, sometimes very skillfully (missing sections and gaps filled in with a pen), while others have been restored more superficially. There is also some wear, marks, and water stains. The entire collection is housed in a late 19th-century album with faded cover boards.