WIERIX, Hieronymus (or Wierx).

Passio Domini Nostru Iesu Christi.

      (No place), Hieronymus Wierx invenit, incidit, excudit. Cum gratia et privilegio Buschere, (ca. 1575). . 12mo. 19th century olive green morocco, spine ribbed and gilt with gilt title, single fillet border on sides, inner dentelles with double gilt fillet border, g.e. Engraved title, series of 16 engraved plates depicting the Passion of Christ and one added engraved plate depicting Christ bearing his cross under a large press. Size of all 18 plates is ca. 85x53 mm. All plates are executed and signed by Wierix. . Series of 18 extremely rare and exquisitely executed engravings in the first state by one of the most famous Flamish engravers of the 16th century. The first 17 engravings (title and series of 16) depict the Passion of Christ. Though rather small the engravings are very detailed from the aspects of clothing, expressions, shadows and light, backgrounds, like villages and buildings, and other ornamental details. On many of them the somewhat grotesque figures can be seen, which are so characteristic for the Flamish school. The 18th engraving is extra and added before the last engraving of the series and depicts a detailed scene of Christ bearing his cross while under a large (book)press. All engravings have a caption in Latin. They are cut with a small margin around the frame, except for the title which is cut directly around the frame, and mounted on strong paper, with a blank leave between each engraving.Wierix (1553-1619) was together with his 2 brothers Antoine and Johan one of the greatest flamish artists of the 16th century and their work takes a considerable place in the artistical history of that age. The 3 of them produced many works and it is not always clear who made what when it is about not signed pieces. Their style was in many ways identic. Hieronymous Wierix is best known for his engravings of devotional subjects, allegories and portraits of saints and churchfathers. In the catalogue of Firmin-Didot is said about this copy: "(...) d'une extreme finesse et superbes d'epreuve. Recueil d'une rarete extreme." Beautiful copy with bookplates of Le M.is de Biencourt (18th century), Biencourt-Poncins (19th century) and Firmin-Didot (1850). Mauquoy-Hendrickx, M., Les estampes de Wierix (Brussels, 1978) nrs. 167-183; Catalogue Firmin-Didot (june 1883) 163.