Ciconia (Paschalis)

Art Historical Context

**Ciconia (Paschalis)**, a delicate engraving by Dutch artist Crispijn de Passe I from 1598, captures elegance of a stork—*ciconia* in—possibly evoking Easter through its subtitle *Paschalis*. Measuring just 13.5 × 10.1 cm, this intimate print exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship of Northern European printmaking during the late Renaissance. De Passe, a prolific engraver from a renowned family of artists in Antwerp, was celebrated for his intricate line work and ability to texture and life in small formats, often producing series for collectors and books. Created at the height of Mannerist...

About the Artist

Crispijn de Passe I

Crispijn de Passe I, born around 1564 in Arnemuiden, Zeeland, emerged as one of the most influential Dutch engravers and print publishers of his era. He relocated to Antwerp as a youth, where he honed his craft amid the city's vibrant printmaking scene, becoming an independent master in the Guild of Saint Luke by 1584–1585. There, he worked as a reproductive engraver, primarily after designs by pr...