Anthony van Dyck, D. Nicolaus Fabricius de Peirese (Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc), c. early 1700s

Artist: Anthony van Dyck (1599 - 1641)
Title:D. Nicolaus Fabricius de Peirese (Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc), c. early 1700s
Medium:Original Engraving
Image Size:9 1/2 in x 6 1/4 in (24.1 cm x 15.9 cm)
Sheet Size:10 1/16 in x 6 3/4 in (25.7 cm x 17.1 cm)
Framed Size:approx. 23 in x 20 in (58.4 cm x 50.8 cm)
Edition:A Mauquoy-Hendrickx State VI (of VI) engraved by Lucas Vorsterman (Zaltbommel, 1595 - Antwerp, 1675) in collaboration with Anthony van Dyck (Antwerp, 1559 - London, 1641); printed on a fine paper with the Letters KIK watermark (Mauquoy-Hendrickx no. 337), dating the piece to the early 1700s.
Signature:Signed in the plate 'Ant. van Dyck pinxcit' in the lower left; also signed 'Vorsterman fculp.' in the lower left.
Condition:This work is in very good condition. Slight foxing at the bottom with a minute tear in the upper center margin not affecting the image.
ID #w-3673
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Historical Description

A wonderfully detailed and charismatic portrait, this exquisite work illustrates the technical mastery and artistic vision of Van Dyck. Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc's stately yet approachable expression reflects Van Dyck's refined ability to comfort and relax his subjects, resulting in a realistic and acute portrait. Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc was a French astronomer, antiquary, and savant who corresponded with many scientists and organized many scientific inquiries His research included a determination of the difference in longitude of various locations in Europe, around the Mediterranean, and in North Africa. As a great intellectual of his time and an avid letter writer, Peiresc was given the nickname "Prince of the republic of Letters." Furthermore, Peiresc was a noted politician in his home town and his home itself was highly regarded as a museum in and of its own right. Van Dyck captures Peiresc as a true scholar, books in front of him and a piece of paper in his hand. He appears solemn yet intelligent, calmly meeting our gaze.

This portrait is a Mauquoy-Hendrickx State VI (of VI), engraved by Lucas Vorsterman (Zaltbommel, 1595 - Antwerp, 1675) in collaboration with Anthony van Dyck (Antwerp, 1559 - London, 1641) as part of his Iconographie series of engraved portraits of famous people at the time. The plate has been marked in the lower left of the plate "Ant. van Dyck pinxcit" and in the lower left of the plate 'Vorsterman fculp" and in the lower right of the plate "Cum privilegio." Beneath the engraved portrait is the inscription: D NICOLAVS FABRICIVS DE PEIRESE Regius in. | Aquifextienfi Curia Senator etc. This piece is printed on a fine paper with the Letters KIK watermark (Mauquoy-Hendrickx no. 337), dating the piece to the early 1700s.

DOCUMENTED AND ILLUSTRATED IN:

1) Mauquoy-Hendrickx. L'Iconographie d'Antoine Van Dyck: Catalogue Raisonne I. Bruxelles: Bibliotheque Royale Albert I, 1991. Listed as catalogue no. 89 on pg. 157-158.

2) Mauquoy-Hendrickx. L'Iconographie d'Antoine Van Dyck: Catalogue Raisonne II. Bruxelles: Bibliotheque Royale Albert I, 1991. Illustrated as catalogue no. 89 on pg. 56.

3) A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:
Framed to archival museum grade conservation standards, this piece is framed in a complementary moulding with silk mats and optical grade Plexiglas.