The Old Print Shop

Plate 6. Maccai.

  • ARTIST: Maria Sibylla Merian

  • PUBLISHER: Published by Joanem Oosterwyk, Amsterdam.

  • MEDIUM: Counterproof from engraved plate,

    DATE: 1719.

  • EDITION SIZE: Paper size 20 5/8 x 13 3/4" (524 x 350 mm).

  • DESCRIPTION:

  • ADDITIONAL INFO: A fine "counterproof" imprint from Merian's finest work "Dissertatio de Generatione et Metamorphosibus Insectorum Surinamensium." Peter Dance in "The Art of Natural History" refers to this series as "easily the most magnificent work on insects so far produced. . .combining science and art in equal proportions. . . .." A counterproof is a technique of pulling an impression from an impression or taking an impression from a freshly printed image that has just been removed from a press before the ink has been allowed to dry. This process allows the artist to replicate as closely as possible the original drawing as they would be oriented in the same direction, show no plate mark and depict only lightly inked lines. This made them highly suitable for coloring with the end result being as close to the original watercolor as possible. This technique was difficult and time consuming as well as very expensive. This made this production a deluxe or very special edition and was usually reserved for a select few subscribers. This particular edition is rarely seen on the market. Framed in a 1 1/8" receding gold leaf molding. Matted with a gold beveled "800" 8 ply mat. 100% acid free, rag stock board is used for the matting and backing. Glazed with UF-5, ultra-violet protective plexiglas.

  • CONDITION: Very good condition. Outstanding original handcoloring.

  • REFERENCE: