3/4

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso midden rechts, gestempeld: Lugt 2760

Art Historical Context

**3/4 by Dirck Volckert. Coornhert (1552)** Step into the intricate world of Northern Renaissance printmaking with *3/4*, an engraving by Dutch artist Dirck Volckertsz. Coornhert, dated 1552. Measuring 250mm high by 197mm wide, this work showcases the meticulous burin work typical of engravings—fine lines incised into a copper plate to create rich tonal depth and exquisite detail. Coornhert (c. 1522–1590), a versatile engraver, designer, and philosopher, was a key figure in Antwerp's vibrant publishing scene, often reproducing designs by masters like Maarten van Heemskerck for wide distribution. Created amid the 16th-century explosion of print technology, *3/4*—likely the third plate in a numbered series—reflects how engravings democratized art, carrying images of mythology, allegory, or daily life across Europe. This medium's durability and reproducibility made it invaluable for collectors and scholars, bridging workshops and homes. A collector's mark stamped on the verso (middle right, Lugt 2760) underscores its historical provenance, linking it to esteemed 19th- or 20th-century connoisseurs cataloged by Frits Lugt. Such marks evoke the artwork's journey through passionate hands, inviting us to appreciate Coornhert's enduring technical mastery. *(178 words)*