10229 Johannes Sadeler I (1550–1600) – The Hermit Jacobus in a Cave – Copperplate engraving (16th Century)
This Mannerist engraving depicts the hermit Jacobus kneeling in deep contemplation within a dark, rocky grotto. The saint is shown with a long, white beard and expressive hands, leaning over a stone ledge where a partial human skeleton lies in an open wooden coffin. This juxtaposition of the living hermit and the skeletal remains serves as a stark memento mori, a traditional reminder of mortality and the transience of life. The surrounding cave is overgrown with dense foliage and gnarled tree roots, while a sprawling mountainous landscape featuring a fortified town is visible through the cave's entrance in the background.
Johannes Sadeler I was a preeminent Flemish engraver and a key member of the Sadeler family, who established one of the most successful print-publishing houses in 16th-century Europe. After training in Brussels and Antwerp, Sadeler traveled extensively through Germany and Italy, eventually settling in Venice. He was renowned for his technical virtuosity and his role as a court engraver, specializing in religious subjects and allegories based on designs by contemporary masters like Marten de Vos. His prolific output played a crucial role in disseminating the artistic styles of the Northern Renaissance and Mannerism, particularly through his celebrated series documenting the lives of desert fathers and forest hermits.
Artist or Maker: Johannes Sadeler I
Dimensions: Approximately 23 cm x 29 cm
Medium: Copperplate engraving
Date: 16th Century
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Estimate | 300 - 400 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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