BEHAM, Hans Sebald, Trajans Gerechtigkeit (Trajan's Justice), 1537

The legend of Roman Emperor Trajan has been one that carries throughout many works of old master prints, considerably that of Hans Sebald Beham (1500-1550) .  Emperor Trajan was also a famed military officer, seen here preparing for the Dacian Wars of the 1st century.  He was stalled on his conquest, however, as the mother of a dying son stopped him amidst his cavalry; she begs for his pity and seeks his help in sparing his life in the courts of law.  It is an exquisite piece, with Beham’s etched detailing as central to this commendable work.

Monogrammed in the plate in the upper center ‘HSB’ with the date, ‘1537,’ this work is a dark, black impression printed on a fine laid paper.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts:

1. Bartsch 82
2. Hollstein 86 III (of III)

About the Framing:
Conservation framed with museum quality, archival materials, this work is float-mounted in Spanish-style black and gold-leaf frame.  The sculptural details of the moulding accentuate the organic linear elements in this work.  The tone of the frame complements the contrasting darks and lights of this work.  Completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas® cover.