Fine 16th century drawing of the Calling of Matthew by Ambrosius Francken

Ambrosius Francken the Elder
b. 1585; Antwerp, Belgium
Pen and brown ink and wash over traces of black chalk

Approximate size: 17.75 (h) x 21.75 (w) x .5 (d) in. (frame); 7.25 (h) x 11.125 (w) in. (drawing)

The present drawing is a fine example of a Netherlandish preparatory work intended for an engraving. The drawing certainly dates before 1585 when it was printed in engraved form by Jan Collaert I. (see for example, British Museum, inv. 1968,1018.1.295). The present sheet, depicting the Calling of Matthew, was one of six drawings Francken produced in preparation for prints on the subject of the ‘Conversion of sinners’ for the ‘Thesaurus Sacrarum historiarum Veteris et Novi Testamenti’ published in the Netherlands by Gerard de Jode.

An old illegible attribution is inscribed along the lower left margin of the drawing and the sheet is elegantly matted and framed in a modern giltwood frame.

The rarity of Francken’s surviving work and the drawing’s provenance make this an attractive work descendant of the Flemish high Renaissance.

Provenance:
Dr. Carl Robert Rudolf, London (collector of fine Dutch drawings; see Lugt 2811b, with collection mark on the mount).

Condition: hinge mounted to a modern mount. There are some old adhesive stains to the upper right and left corners. A small made-up area to the left half of the upper edge. Minor surface dirt.