Title for the Print Series 'Grateske voer golt smeden Schrijnwerkers Ende andere des nodich hebbende'

Meinert Gelijs

ca. 1610–1630 · Blackwork (title text etched) · Drawings and Prints

Title page to a print series displaying motifs for application in goldsmith's work, executed in blackwork. Due to the similarity in their production techniques, blackwork prints often relate to precious objects decorated with champlevé enamel work. Gelijs indicates, however, that his patterns may be used in other disciplines as well. The style of his ornaments is quite unique, blending elements from the late sixteenth-century schweifwerk ornament, with stylized peapods, floral elements and some forms related to the auricular style. This series is one of two series known by Gelijs, and is characterized by the almost square copperplates and exclusive use of the blackwork technique. The second series, which has been bound in a single binding with this series in the Met's collection, lacks a title plate, but is characterized by larger rectangular plates, and a combination of Gelijs' characteristic ornaments with figures and other motifs borrowed from other print series, executed in etching.

Artist

Meinert Gelijs

Date

ca. 1610–1630

Medium

Blackwork (title text etched)

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1932