[Framed Etched Print] Dancing Peasants in Front of an Inn

Antwerp (?): Unknown, 1649. Framed. Very Good. Based on a Teniers painting, this is the original 1649 etching by Wenceslaus Hollar. One could suspect slight trimming of the margin, but we will note that our measurements are the same as those of the Metropolitan Museum's copy. The print is floating on the backing, and thus the entirety of the print revealed, and attractively surrounded by tasteful matting and an appropriate, complimentary gilt frame. Publisher unknown, although it is quite possible Hollar was his own publisher. We think it likeliest that the print was done in Antwerp, where the Flemish-born Hollar retreated in in 1646 from England because of the turmoil caused by the English Civil War. The print is 25 by 34.5 cm. With frame and matting, 40 by 50 cm. We believe that the original etching, meaning one printed in 1649, is quite scarce. Besides the Metropolitan Museum, the only other copy of which we are aware is in the Royal Collection. The very narrow margin of the print has dusty soiling. There is a conspicuous closed tear running down the top center, about 3 cm into the picture, but luckily a less important area of the illustration. The tear is repaired, or so we believe, but it is undeniably visible. The gilded frame and matting are very attractive.