Beschrijving
Full set of twelve etchings, including the title plate. Harbour scenes of overseas trade, loading and unloading of ships. Many of the plates feature groups of Islamic galley slaves working amidst Western traders. A few of the plates show tranquil scenes of workers resting, smoking and talking. A scarce set, and rare as a complete set. The slaves in these plates have a particular haircut, where they are shaven bald, except for a single tuft of hair.
Etchings by M. Schaep after Cornelis de Wael. Published by M. Schaep and dated 1649. The series is dedicated to Joannes d'Erasso. Sheet sizes ca. 160-165 x 130-135 mm., platemark 147-148 x 115-120 mm.
Not much is known about the life of M. Schaep (active 1644-1649), an Dutch etcher and publisher. Cornelis de Wael (Antwerp 1592 – 1667 Rome) was a painter, printmaker, art dealer and art collector. He was active in many places in Europe, including Antwerp, Madrid, Genua, Rome and Venice.
The set in very good condition, all similar nice impressions with good plate tone. A few with small damages in the margins, and an occasional marginal stain. The images clean and fresh.
References: Hollstein 141: 13-24 (ii/4); LeBlanc 432; Wurzbach 2. Two collection stamps on the verso of each sheet: Lugt 5101 (Pim van Eekelen) and an unidentified armorial collection mark. According to the sale catalogue (Brandt, June 1968, #1043) this set came from the collection of G. van Tienhoven.
