| Method | Etching |
| Artist | after Wenceslaus Hollar |
| Published | c. 1645 |
| Dimensions | Image 85 x 50 mm, Plate 95 x 52 mm, Sheet 147 x 89 mm |
| Notes |
A print after Hollar in reverse that derives from an obscure series of Wenceslaus Hollar's entitled the 'Aula Veneris'. The 'Aula Veneris', or the 'Halls of Venus', was a miniature series of costume prints which is thought to have formed an adjunct to Hollar's 'Theatrum Mulierum', published in London, 1643. Evidence suggests that nine issues of the Theatrum, and four issues of the Aula were circulated in dates ranging from 1643 until 1816. Though both the motive for the composition, and the details of the publication are unclear, it is supposed that Hollar was inspired by the second edition of Jost Amman's 'Gynaeceum, siue Theatrum Mulierum', which was reissued in Baden-Württemberg in 1639. Amman's preface to this edition stated that his woodcuts of regional dress were meant to provide those that could not travel with a view of regional costume and a tacit indication of foreign character. Hollar's augmentation of Amman's title suggests that he had a similar rational in mind when he published the first 48 plates of his 'Theatrum.' Richard Pennington writes that the plates of the 'Aula Veneris' were intended for a Pars Secunda in England, but were then carried by Hollar to Antwerp when he fled the country, and were subsequently distributed to a contintental audience. This theory is given credence by the fact that 37 of the Aula etchings have had a German sub-title added to them. Whatever the context, Hollar's etchings provide a masterful view of contemporary fashion completed by one of the centuries finest printmakers. Wenceslaus Hollar (1607-1677) left his native Prague in 1627. He spent several years travelling and working in Germany before his patron, the Earl of Arundel brought him to London in 1636. During the civil wars, Hollar fought on the Royalist side, after which he spent the years 1644-52 in Antwerp. Hollar's views of London form an important record of the city before the Great Fire of 1666. He was prolific and engraved a wide range of subjects, producing nearly 2,800 prints, numerous watercolours and many drawings. Pennington 1892 ii/ii but a copy in reverse after Hollar Condition: Binding holes in right margin. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £70.00 |
| Stock ID | 52272 |