Antique Heinrich Aldegrever (1502-1558) Engraving Judge Herkinbald Stabbing His Nephew
Made in Germany 1553.
Framed and Matted Approximately 10” x 13”.
Art Showing in Matte Approximately 4 7/16” x 3 1/16”.
Important 16th-century German Old Master engraving by Heinrich Aldegrever, dated 1553 in the plate. The subject is Judge Herkinbald (Archambauld) Stabbing His Nephew, also historically known as Der gestrenge Vater (The Severe Father) and identified on the old backing label as “The Unnatural Father.”
Aldegrever was one of the German Renaissance printmakers traditionally known as the “Little Masters.” His work was strongly influenced by Albrecht Dürer, and Aldegrever was historically referred to as the “Albrecht Dürer of Westphalia.” The monogram and date appearing at the lower left are Aldegrever’s own plate mark and date.
Catalogue References: New Hollstein German (Aldegrever) 73; The Illustrated Bartsch / Bartsch VIII.388.73.
Examples of this same 1553 engraving are held in major museum collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; the British Museum, London; and the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. The Metropolitan Museum of Art records an impression measuring 4 7/16” x 3 1/16”, precisely matching the visible dimensions of this example.
An old handwritten card attached to the reverse reads approximately: “ALDEGREVER” / “16th Century” / “THE UNNATURAL FATHER” / “GERMAN ENGRAVER” / “CALLED ALBRECHT DURER OF WESTPHALIA.”
A second, considerably older typed paper label on the reverse reads in surviving part: “From collection … J. Burleigh James and E. Lu…” followed by “The Unnatural Father.” The label is worn and partially lost, so the complete wording is no longer legible.
The reference to J. Burleigh James appears consistent with Rev. John Burleigh James (1811-1891), the important British print collector of Knowbury Park, Shropshire. James assembled an important collection particularly rich in Old Master prints, including works by Dürer and Rembrandt. His collection was dispersed by Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge in three major sales in 1877. James is recorded in Frits Lugt’s catalogue of collectors’ marks as Lugt 1425.
The work remains framed and has not been removed from the mounting for examination of the complete sheet or verso.
Excellent antique condition considering age. The engraving presents well within the existing framing. Frame and matte show age-related wear, discoloration/spotting and surface marks. The historic backing, labels and mounting materials show substantial age, staining, losses and deterioration as photographed. Normal wear consistent with age and previous framing. Please review photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.
