Artist: Stradanus, Johannes Stradanus, Jan van der Straet, or Giovanni Stradano (1523 - 1605) was a Flemish artist active mainly in 16th-century Florence, Italy.
Engraver: Philip Galle (1537 – 1612) was a Dutch publisher best known for publishing old master prints, which he also produced as designer and engraver. He is especially known for his reproductive engravings of paintings.
Title: Bear Hunt with Nets.
Signed, Numbered, and Annotated in plate: Iohan Stra. inve; Lettered below the image: 'Sic capitur gladijs, et acute cuspidis hastis, / Pr[a]eceps sanguinea dum se rotat ursus arena.' No number 20 as it was issued in the first edition, but it is number 4 in gall ink l.r. and 1687 in graphite l.r. corner of margins. Manfred Sellink notes the presence of numerous publications with different pagination: "...still untangled mystery of numerous editions and re-editions with continuous changes in the number and sequence of engravings..." Manfred Sellink. Philips Galle (1537-1612) Engraver and Print Publisher in Haarlem and Antwerp. Gouda, 1997, p. 33.
Dimensions: Platemark 8 1/2" x 11 1/2". Sheet 10" x 13 1/2". Mat 16" x 20".
Edition: Hunting Scenes.
Date: C. 1578 (plate).
Materials and Techniques: engraving on laid paper.
Mat and Frame: Matted.
Provenance: The Estate of George "Yorgo" Demetrakopoulos; professor, assistant director of the Medieval Institute, and assistant to the dean at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, from 1965-2000.
Condition: The upper right corner is cut off, but the image isn't affected. Vertical creases. Worn margins. The signs of aging are appropriate for the time. A detailed condition report is available on demand.
Part of: Series: Venationes Ferarum, Avium, Piscium.
Museums and Libraries: The British Museum 1957,0413.86 (Number 20).
Art Movements, Periods & Schools: Flemish School XVI C.
This entry incorporates text from Wikipedia and the catalog entry of the same item from The British Museum collection.