Antonie Waterloo – Shepherd asleep on a Hummock 1640-1690
etching, state ii of iii plate 23.3 x 29.6 cm / sheet 29.6 x 46 cm
Unframed – Price £340
Plate 6 from Six Large Landscapes (H113-118). Published by Antonie Waterloo.
References: Hollstein 118 ii/iii Bartsch II.121.118
Inscriptions: ‘Antonius Waterlo inventor et decit’ to left of bottom margin; ; ‘6’ to right of bottom margin.
Condition: Nice impression in excellent condition, with wide margins. Paper very good, with irregular edges sides and bottom.
There are about 126 etchings known to be by Anthonie Waterloo (c1610-1690). He was born in Lille before moving to Holland where he moved about, not residing in any one place for more than a few years before he settled down in Utrecht where he died. His drawings inform us that he travelled widely, with journeys to Germany (along the Rhine), Switzerland and France. It is not known if he studied under any artist or engraver, and it is generally considered that he was self-taught when it comes to printmaking. He worked almost exclusively in landscape and was renowned for his drawing of trees at which he excelled. None of his etchings are dated which makes it extremely difficult to place them in any chronological sequence. Waterloo’s prints were very popular and were reprinted for many years after his death, in both the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. As a self-taught etcher, Waterloo’s achievements are all the more remarkable. His detailed drawing of trees sets him apart at this time, and it is unsurprising therefore that he was so highly regarded. Confirming lifetime impressions however is not easy, particularly since Waterloo was prone to reworking his own plates. Early impressions are hard to identify.