Les douze mois

Lot n° 73
 The twelve months, complete (R.R.R.) / Description: Complete series of twelve etchings One of the first works of Jacques Callot, made during his apprentice in Rome.Made around 1609-1610. 17th century’s hand colored full series with the” publishers address of Giovanni Giacomo de' Rossi .The set was engraved in Philippe Thomassin's workshop in Rome, in 1609 according to Meaume, and in 1610 according to Lieure. Lieure gives the whole set to Callot, Meaume expresses some doubts. He recognizes the artist's hand in the months of January, March and April, and in the lettering of June, November and December, but it is perhaps difficult to speak of a "manner" for a young artist who was at that time still learning the craft. This state is unrecorded in Lieure who mentions only one state (état unique) and describes it as R.R.R. ------ After the drawings by J. DE MOMPER,and following the earlier example of Hans Collaert from the same period (ca. 1600-1610, New Hollstein vol. VI no. 1350-1362) each w. 2 columns of 2-line verse below the image, 2x w. "ICallot Fe", 4x w. the address of G.J. Rossi (Rome) and 2x w. "Iodoc(us) de Momper inu." in the plate, all mounted. Reference: Lieure 2-13, marked 'extremely rare (RRR. )This is from the very first work done by Callot made in the workshop of Philippe Thomassin in Rome around 1610. He made no title etching. This state with the address of 'de Rossi' unknown to Lieure. Rare in any way. / Dimensions: each ±20x25,5 cm Trimmed to the borderline/ platemark and mounted; January with small portion from lower right blank corner missing; February with portion from lower left corner missing, Some prints with unobtrusive closed tear in image; / Literature: Lieure 1927: 2-13, ----- Meaume 1860: 723-728