Cornelis Martin (1567-1621) - Odoacre, VII Forestiero di Fiandra — Les genealogies, et anciennes descentes des Comtes de Flandre - 1580

This magnificent copper engraving constitutes the historical and ceremonial portrait of Odoacer, here portrayed in his title as the seventh colonial governor of Flanders (indicated at the bottom as Odoacer 7. Forestier), inserted 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 nobleman full-length in a proud pose of hunter and medieval commander, robed in a pink tunic bordered with white fur at the collar, cinched at the waist by a blue belt from which hangs a small dagger, completed by red hose and dark boots. With his right hand raised, he firmly holds a falcon, while on his left arm he bears a large heraldic shield chequered in white and blue with a circular red escutcheon at the center. In the same left hand he holds a green hat, while at his feet rest two imposing grey-white greyhounds. The background of the figure offers a broad and evocative landscape opening with rolling hills rich in trees, rivers, and fortified castles that rise on the horizon beneath a sky streaked with clouds. The plate, originally drawn by the painter Pieter Baltens and impressed with extraordinary calcographic definition, bears at the top the heading “Le septiesme Forestier.” beside the page number 53, while at the bottom center appears the typographic signature H 2 and in the corner of the engraved mirror the plate number 7. The value of the exemplar is magnificently enhanced by a refined contemporaneous watercolor coloring executed entirely by hand. Dimensions 18 x 26 cm It will be shipped by courier.