Cornelis Martin (1567-1621) - Filippo il Buono — Les genealogies, et anciennes descentes des Comtes de Flandre - 1580

This magnificent copper engraving constitutes the historical portrait and display portrait of Philip III of Burgundy, called the Good (indicated at the bottom as Philippe Croit Conseil, 37. Comte), included in the volume Les genealogies, et anciennes descentes des forestiers et comtes de Flandre, published in Antwerp around 1580 by the Flemish scholar Cornelis Martin. The scene shows the count full-length in a commanding Renaissance pose, clothed in a splendid pink tunic, Renaissance hose and footwear, and a sumptuous lined cloak edged with precious fur, while wearing a distinctive hat on his head. In his right hand he holds raised a precious gilded regal sceptre placed diagonally, while on his left arm he grips the hilt of a dagger or dagger tucked into his belt. At his feet, crouched to the right, is faithfully depicted a greyhound, a classic heraldic symbol of loyalty and noble hunting. On the left, laid on the ground on the base of a column, rests a massive tournament armor helmet adorned with tall colored plumes in red, white and light blue. Above the helmet stands a monumental and intricate crowned heraldic coat of arms, displaying the dynastic quarters of the Burgundian house joined with the Flemish insignia. The background features a deep hilly landscape that opens to the right of the figure, showing a medieval fortress perched with cylindrical conical towers and a stream running downstream. The plate, originally designed by the painter Pieter Baltens and impressed with extraordinary engravers’ definition, bears at the top the heading “Le trentevniesme Conte de Flandre” beside the page number 315 and at the bottom-right the plate number 37. The excellence of the specimen is magnificently complemented by a refined contemporaneous watercolor coloring, executed entirely by hand, which enhances the shades of the garments, the gold of the sceptre, and the tones of the Flemish territory.

Dimensions 18 x 26 cm
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