ANTIQUE PRINT~MISER IN HELL~DAVID TENIERS~DEATH/DEVIL/DEMON/LAZARUS~BOSH/BRUEGEL

Description: "The Miser in Hell" After David Teniers the Younger Sheet measures 55.3 x 76 cm, image measures 44.8 x 65.5 cm. There are no artist or publication details suggesting that the print may well be a 'proof before letters'. I'm not at all sure of the print process(es) used here, as parts appear very much like mezzotint with engraving, whilst other elements look more like aquatint and lithography. The print is after the original oil on panel painting "The Rich Man being led to Hell" by David Teniers the Younger (1610–1690). In 1647, Flemish artist David Teniers the Younger painted an interesting Baroque rendition of Jesus’ parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16:19-31). The rich man, dressed in fine clothing and living a life of luxury, ignores the pleas of Lazarus the sore-covered beggar when he arrives at his door longing to eat the scraps that have fallen from his table. Soon, Lazarus dies and is lifted to Abraham’s side by angels whereas the rich man is condemned to hell, from where he looks up in the middle of great torment to converse with Abraham. Teniers captures the moment when he is standing in front of Cerberus at the entrance of hell, which he imagines as a cave surrounded by a variety of demons. The subject has an overall heavy, sinister and ominous tone to it. There is a strong element of chiaroscuro which has the effect of bringing a dramatic notion to the scene further enhanced by the application of silhouette. Tenniers pays particular attention to the expressions and features of the figures, enabling the observer to see the inner emotional anguish of the rich man whose facial expression reflects his fear at the prospect of his oncoming fate and his hands are raised in immense terror. It also enables the viewer to see the demons’ malevolent sneering expression at their delight in claiming a new victim to torture.There is a considerable amount of space surrounding the main action which gives a sense of isolation, reflecting one of the emotions people would experience in hell. Despite this space most of the figures are crowded together into one area, communicating the chaos and disorder of hell. The imagery is very reminiscent of Hieronymus Bosh (1450~1516) and Pieter Bruegel the Elder's (1525-30~1569) with it's nightmarish depiction of Hell swarming with multifarious demonic inhabitants. I have been unable to find out any information about the print except a piece of text that mentions the existence of a mezzotint called 'The Miser in Hell' after David Teniers, but does not say when, or by whom the print was made, though the platemark dimensions of 42.5 x 64 cm are very similar to my print. Another similar themed mezzotint "The Witch" by Richard Earlom (1743~1822), after another David Teniers original: "Dulle Griet (Mad Meg) Entering Hell", was published by J & J Boydell in 1786. Some wear, staining and discolouration to sheet with tears and old paper repairs to margins (please see images). Displays well and would look great framed. Paper thick and rigid, so print will be posted flat between boards and boxed. --- Dulle Griet (anglicized as Dull Gret), also known as Mad Meg, was also the subject of a 1563 oil-on-panel by Flemish renaissance artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder (Grandfather-in-law to David Teniers*) which depicts a virago, Dulle Griet, leading an army of women to pillage Hell. --- Teniers married into the famous Brueghel artist family when Anna Brueghel, daughter of Jan Brueghel the Elder, became his wife on 22 July 1637. Rubens, who had been the guardian of Anna Brueghel after her father's death, was a witness at the wedding. Through his marriage Teniers was able to cement a close relationship with Rubens who had been a good friend and frequent collaborator with his wife's father. ... Although we usually list a few items each week, we endeavour to list the majority of our items on the first day of each month. So please click 'save seller' if you would like to know what we're up to. As it is sometimes difficult to properly judge the look and/or condition of an item from the photos and description alone, please feel free to bid or buy knowing that you can return the item post free if you are not entirely pleased with your purchase. Combined shipping available at cost. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.Welsh Bridge Books & Collectables is a bricks and mortar shop located alongside the River Severn at Shrewsbury, in a beautiful 16th Century building housing three floors of interesting and eclectic books and collectables for sale. If you're in Shropshire please pop by and say hello! Thank you.

Price: 950 GBP

Location: Shrewsbury

End Time: 2024-08-09T11:42:43.000Z

Shipping Cost: 116.27 GBP