Aegidius Sadeler II (1570-1629) - Nicomaxia Vitae

Old copper engraving on paper with the title “Nicomaxia Vitae”, also known as an allegorical depiction of the three Fates / The Three Fates.

The print is attributed to Aegidius Sadeler II.

Artist / engraver:
Aegidius Sadeler II
Flemish engraver and draftsman, born ca. 1570 in Antwerp and died in 1629 in Prague.

From design / invention of:
Joris Hoefnagel
Flemish artist, miniature painter and draftsman, born 1542 in Antwerp and died 1601 in Vienna.

Hans von Aachen
German painter, born 1552 in Cologne and died 1615 in Prague.

Title:
Nicomaxia Vitae
also known as The Three Fates / Le tre Parche

Year / period:
According to the well-known composition of 1589.
Exact dating of this particular exemplar has not been professionally confirmed.

Technique:
Copper engraving / engraving on paper.

Material / paper:
Old paper with visible texture, presumably laid paper / laid paper. When held against light, clear paper lines are visible. No modern halftone image visible; the scene consists of fine engraving lines and cross-hatching.

Subject / theme:
The print shows an allegory of life, death and transience. At the center are the three Fates, who spin, measure and cut the thread of life. Surrounding are Latin texts, biblical references and Christian symbolism. At the top the title NICOMAXIA VITAE.

Signature / inscription:
Not hand-signed.
But signed / inscribed in the plate. At the bottom there is the signature line with references to Hoefnagel, Hans von Aachen and G. Sadeler. The signature is part of the copper engraving itself.

Edition information:
No visible edition number or print number. No numbered edition. Possibly an old print after / from the famous print of 1589; exact state, print period and authenticity should be confirmed by a specialist.

Provenance:
From a private estate/collection. No further provenance or purchase documentation available.

Documentation:
No certificate of authenticity or invoice available. The scene, title and signature line correspond to known museum copies of Nicomaxia Vitae / The Three Fates, attributed to Aegidius Sadeler II after Joris Hoefnagel and Hans von Aachen.

Condition:
Fragile old state. The sheet shows clear signs of aging and use, including:
- yellowing of the paper;
- foxing and brown age spots;
- moisture stains;
- central crease;
- small tears and edge damages;
- old tape/mounting on the back;
- traces of previous framing;
- fragile paper structure.

The print has previously been framed. Offered as a print on paper. See the photos for a correct impression of the state.

Context:
Nicomaxia Vitae is a late-16th-century allegorical print from the Northern European Renaissance/Mannerist printmaking. The scene combines classical mythology — the three Fates — with Christian moralizing symbolism surrounding the transience of human life and the preservation of the soul.