Plate from "Grateske voer golt smeden Schrijnwerkers Ende andere des nodich hebbende"
Plate from a print series consisting of a title page and five plates displaying motifs for the application in goldsmith's work, executed in blackwork. The plate contains one large overall pattern, with one smaller distinct motif placed above. In contrast to the other designs in the series, the two motifs contain some three-dimensional elements and some details that remind of the auricular style.
Due to the similarity in their production techniques, blackwork prints often relate to precious objects decorated with champlevé enamel work. Gelijs indicates, however, that his patterns may be used in other disciplines as well. The style of his ornaments is quite unique, blending elements from the late sixteenth-century schweifwerk ornament, with stylized peapods, floral elements and some forms related to the auricular style. This series is one of two series known by Gelijs, and is characterized by the almost square copperplates and exclusive use of the blackwork technique. The second series, which has been bound in a single binding with this series in the Met's collection, lacks a title plate, but is characterized by larger rectangular plates, and a combination of Gelijs' characteristic ornaments with figures and other motifs borrowed from other print series, executed in etching.
Due to the similarity in their production techniques, blackwork prints often relate to precious objects decorated with champlevé enamel work. Gelijs indicates, however, that his patterns may be used in other disciplines as well. The style of his ornaments is quite unique, blending elements from the late sixteenth-century schweifwerk ornament, with stylized peapods, floral elements and some forms related to the auricular style. This series is one of two series known by Gelijs, and is characterized by the almost square copperplates and exclusive use of the blackwork technique. The second series, which has been bound in a single binding with this series in the Met's collection, lacks a title plate, but is characterized by larger rectangular plates, and a combination of Gelijs' characteristic ornaments with figures and other motifs borrowed from other print series, executed in etching.
Artwork Details
- Title: Plate from "Grateske voer golt smeden Schrijnwerkers Ende andere des nodich hebbende"
- Artist and engraver: Meinert Gelijs (Dutch, active ca. 1610–1630)
- Date: ca. 1610–30
- Medium: Blackwork
- Dimensions: 7 3/4 × 11 7/16 × 1/8 in. (19.7 × 29 × 0.3 cm)
Plate: 5 3/8 × 6 1/8 in. (13.7 × 15.6 cm) - Classifications: Albums, Prints, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1932
- Object Number: 32.123.29
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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