A wonderful guaranteed genuine antique 17th century large etching of St Jerome in the wilderness by Valentin Lefebvre (circa 1642-1680) after Titian (1480-1576), published in 1680 by J van Campen.
Made as an illustration for an opera, this stunning and very large double page etching shows St Jerome leaning against a rock as a vision of Christ appears on a tree. A human-like lion sleeps with his head on his paws and a lizard climbs a rock in the front of the picture. A skull and books are seen on the the right while elaborate rocks and trees stretch away into the distance. Marked bottom left 'V. lefebre del. et sculp.'; bottom right 'J. Van Campen Formis Venetys'; titled 'Titianus Vecellius, Cad. Invents & Pinxit'.
The etching measures approximately 19 3/4 x 15 inches.
The etching has been well struck with good strike indentations around most of the image. Margin is around 3/4 to 1 inch away from the strike marks.
The etching is in general very good condition with no rips, chips or repairs. It has a little discoloration and some light foxing-mostly around the edges. There is some wear to the edges of the fold and the fold has been strengthened on the reverse with paper tape.
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