Hans Holbein the Younger’s metalcut, “Printer's Mark of Johann Froben”, 1523

Hans Holbein the Younger (1497–1543)

“Printer's Mark of Johann Froben”, 1523, plate cut by Jacob Faber (c1500–1550), published by Johann Froben (aka Johannes Froben; Johannes Frobenius) (c1460–1527) in Basel.

Note that there are other impressions with printer’s letterpress text below the image; for example, the Detroit Institute of Arts has an impression with the text, “APVD INCLYTAM/ BASILEAM/ AN. M. D. XXIII.” (see: https://www.dia.org/art/collection/object/printers-mark-johan-froben-48229) and the British Museum has a copy lettered “ANNO M.D.XXVII” (see https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=1598688&partId=1&searchText=Hans+Holbein+the+Younger+Froben&page=1)

Note also that Urs Graf (c1485–1527/28) executed a very similar block: see BM NO. 1900,1019.123 and that  Master CV (fl. c1523–1524) made a woodblock copy of this print.

Metalcut and letterpress on laid paper with watermark and wide margins (verso blank)..

Size: (sheet) 21 x 14.9 cm

Letterpress text: (centre) “FRO […] BEN”Hollstein 56 (Printer's mark)

The British Museum offers the following description of this print:

“Printer's mark of Johann Froben; with two hands holding a staff around which two crowned serpents are coiled; a bird to left perched on top of the staff … Metalcut and letterpress”

(BM No. 1900,1019.123 [see URL above])

Condition: good impression, slightly dull in contrast, in excellent condition (i.e. there are no tears, holes, folds, abrasions, significant stains or foxing) with wide margins and no printed text verso.

I am selling this rare metalcut (i.e. a print pulled from the very early relief printing process of employing a plate cut from metal rather than wood) executed in Michelangelo’s lifetime for AU$202 (currently US$145.66/EUR129.05/GBP112.47 at the time of this listing) including postage and handling to anywhere in the world.

If you are interested in purchasing this Renaissance period print using the rare metalcut process, please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.

This print has been sold