XXXX: Forty Years

c. 1599

Crispijn van de Passe I

Associated Names
Crispijn van de Passe I

Artist, Dutch, c. 1565 - 1637

Crispijn van de Passe I

Publisher, Dutch, c. 1565 - 1637

This circular print shows a scene outdoors. On the right, a man holding a tall staff and wearing a hat kneels down in front of a child. The man is wearing a collared vest over a shirt with long sleeves and knee-length breeches with tall socks. He uses a tall compass tool to draw a circle on a flat surface. The child uses a pen to write or draw something on a large pad of paper. Between the child and man is an open book. On the left, a woman sits, appearing to sew a piece of cloth on her lap. She wears a gown with large ruffles on the neck and sleeves, and her hair is put in an updo behind her head. Behind them, two other people appear to work on a building on the left. They climb up ladders to reach tall scaffolding, holding bundles on their backs. In the distance, more buildings can be seen spreading across low hills. On the right, a person herds horses up a tall peak, and below that, two people appear to fight with swords in front of another building. In the bottom right, behind the man, is the face of a lion with a long, wavy mane. Around the edge of the circular print is a border with an inscription. The print is on beige, octagonal paper.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Robert H. and Clarice Smith

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 11.9 cm (4 11/16 in.) (circular, trimmed to platemark)
    mount: 17.8 cm (7 in.) (octagonal)

  • Accession Number

    2022.181.85

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 481, State Only

  • Series Title

    The Ages of Man


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Robert H. and Clarice R. Smith, Arlington, VA; bequest to NGA, 2022.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. 72 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Herzberger., 1964: XV, no. 481.

Inscriptions

around image, in plate: XXXX. Artibus octavo nomen memorabile lustro Aequirit... Magnanimi pectus vimque leonis habet.


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