Johann Jakob Haid’s mezzotint, “St Matthew”, early 1700s, after Hartmann

Johann Jakob Haid (aka Johann Jacob Haid, Johann Jacobus Haid) (1704–1767)

“St Matthew” (aka “St Matthew and the Angel”; “Saint Mathieu”; “S. Matthævs”), early 1700s, mezzotint after a painting by Hartmann (as inscribed in plate; possibly Johannes Jakob Hartmann (1680–1730) who is known for painting landscape with biblical figures) and published by the artist in Augsburg.

Mezzotint with etching on thick laid paper trimmed with a small margin around the platemark, with replenishment/restoration of wormholes at lower right and backed with a support sheet.

Size: (sheet) 42.7 x 29.2 cm; (plate) 41.3 x 28.4 cm; (image borderline) 37.7 x 28.1 cm.

Lettered in plate below the image borderline: (left) Hartmann. Pinx.”; (centre) “S. MATTHÆVS./ J. J. Haid et filius excudit Aug. V. [Augsburg]”; (right corner) “J.”

LeBlanc (not described) (Charles Le Blanc 1856, “Manuel de l'amateur d'estampes: contenant le dictionnaire des graveurs de toutes les nations”, vol. 2, Paris, P Jannet, pp. 333–34)

Interestingly, the Yale Center for British Art holds a series of ten saints executed in mezzotint by Johann Jakob Haid of which this print may belong; for example: “Saint Bartholomew” https://collections.britishart.yale.edu/catalog/tms:23301 and “Saint Philip” https://collections.britishart.yale.edu/catalog/tms:23296. Note, however, that Yale collection of these possibly related prints are all after Johann Kupezky (1667–1740) whereas this print is after the painter inscribed as “Hartmann”. Moreover, the Yale collection has a different image of St Matthew (see https://collections.britishart.yale.edu/catalog/tms:23294).

Condition: a strong impression laid onto a sheet of archival (millennium quality) washi paper. There are minor (partially restored) abrasions and replenished wormholes at lower right otherwise the sheet is in a good condition for its age with no significant tears, folds, stains or foxing.

I am selling this velvety and radiantly glowing mezzotint that seems to be so rare that I have been unable to find another copy—this is surprising for such a fine and large mezzotint—for the total cost of AU$268 (currently US$179.52/EUR166.34/GBP146.06 at the time of posting this listing) including postage and handling to anywhere in the world, but not (of course) any import duties/taxes imposed by some countries.

If you are interested in purchasing this marvellous and exceptionally rare mezzotint, please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.