Description:Conveying a strong sense of realism, this work presents the human existence as it was in the 16th Century. Examining the studied figure and landscape, this work is intricately detailed and beautifully composed.
Engraved by Hendrick Hondius in 1642 based on an original drawing by Bruegel, this work is printed on a fine laid paper with a strong black impression. From the second state, this work is in excellent condition and was printed close to the time it was engraved as evidenced by the high quality of the print.
Eloquently detailed with beautiful line work, this piece examines the unconventional medical treatment of Pilgrims suffering from epilepsy in the 1500s. Set against a wonderfully detailed background of clustered trees and sloping hills, the details of the figures reflect the artist's sound knowledge of the human form. The wide range of detail in the line work create high variations in tone and intricate areas in the figures' facial features and folds of clothing.
Said of this work and another of the same subject, "Energy, intensity, and conviction are outstanding in both these engravings. They represent a deeper and more concentrated kind of realism than the engravings elsewhere…" (Klein 127) .
PROVENANCE: Private Collection, England
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that I will enclose with the sale of the work) :
1) Klein, H. Arthur, Graphic Worlds of Peter Bruegel the Elder, 1963, image listed as plate 28 on page 131, discussion on page 127.
2) van Bastelaer, René, The Prints of Peter Bruegel the Elder, 1992, image listed as plate 224 on pages 304-305.
3) Lavalleye, Jacques, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, image listed as Bruegel 124.
About the Framing:
This work is presented in archival and museum quality framing with an elegant gold leaf Spanish style frame with matching inner fillet, linen wrapped mats and archival Plexiglas cover. The gold and black of the moulding enhance the contrast within the print, and the sculptural quality of the frame compliments the linear elements in this work.
