The Three Maries Returning from the Tomb, after Bartholomaeus Spranger
1600
16th-17th century
49.1 cm x 36.5 cm (19 5/16 in. x 14 3/8 in.)
Aegidius Sadeler II (aka Gilles Sadeler)
(Antwerp, circa 1570 - 1629, Prague)
Primary
Object Type:
print
Artist Nationality:
Europe, Flemish
Medium and Support:
Engraving
Credit Line:
Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, The Leo Steinberg Collection, 2002
Accession Number:
2002.2126
Object Description:
As official engraver to Emperor Rudolf II at Prague Sadeler's collaboration with the court painter (and fellow Fleming) Spranger, produced some of the latest and most extravagant masterpieces of Mannerist printmaking. Reproducing part of a triptych for the chapel in Rudolf’s palace, The Three Maries is particularly elegant in design, brilliant in cutting, and stylized in feeling. Although this impression lacks the inscription, which would indicate the print’s state, it is evidently early and very fine. Steinberg acquired his 23 engravings by Aegidius, and dozens more by his family members, while their work was practically ignored.