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Engraving, dated and monogrammed lower left
Bartsch n. 41; Meder-Hollstein n. 33; Schoch-Mende-Scherbaum, n. 63 a-b/c
158 x 107 mm
Provenence: Pierre Mariette, signed in pen on the verso P. Mariette 1690, (L. 1789);
P. Gervaise, signed on the verso P. Gervaise 1860, (L. 1078); J.B.E. Gallice,
signed in pen on the verso, E. Gallice 1870 (L. 1063)
A fine Meder a-b/c impression, in the intermediate state between the first and the second of three, with the scratching on the baby’s forehead, but still with traces of burrs on the drapery of the Virgin and on the trunk to the right, features of the first state. Printed on paper with an Anchor in a Circle watermark (Meder 171), datable between 1506 – 1516.
In very good condition, with thread margins or trimmed on the platemark in places. The present work is based on a preparatory drawing preserved in the Berlin Kupferstichkabinett.
Dürer, after the the Virgin and Child on a grassy plot 1503 (B. 34), abandoned this subject to resume it after his second trip to Italy, enriched by new experiences.
The Virgin seated on a grassy mound gazes at the Christ Child in her lap, who rises his right hand in the act of bless.
The buildings in the background are of North Italian taste.
