36. Cornelis Visscher II (1628/29-1658)
after Jacopo Bassano (1510-1592)

The Angel Appearing to Abraham and Promising Him the Land of Sichem

(click on image to print)
Visscher, Angel Appearing

The Angel Appearing to Abraham and Promising Him the Land of Sichem

Etching and engraving, 314 x 381 mm., Dutuit 2 i/ii, Hollstein 2, Nagler 102. Fine impression on thin laid paper trimmed on the platemark but including the blank lower plate margin, tipped down to an old mount; foxing and pale stains verso, some showing through faintly in the lower plate margin. The print is completely devoid of letters or signature, but can be verified through catalog and museum impressions. There was a constant demand in the Netherlands for images of art created elsewhere, particularly so Italy. So the art of reproductive engraving was not taken lightly and immense skill was lavished upon it. Visscher was one of the best. The image is based on Genesis XII-6, and Sichem, in Canaan, is also known as Shechem.