27. Jan Gossaert, called Mabuse

Jan Gossaert, called Mabuse engraving

Engraving, second state
Signed ‘Hh ex.’ by Hendrick Hondius
Copy in reverse direction as Cock 1572 engraved Pictorum
20.9 x 12.2 cm

Transcription of Inscription [Lampsonius]:

IOANII MABUSIO, PICTORI.
Tuque adeo nostris seculum dicêre, Mabusi,
     Versibus ad graphicen erudiisse tuum.
Nam quis ad aspectum pigmenta politius alter
     Florida Apelleis illineret tabulis?
Arte aliis, esto, tua tempora cede secutis ;

Peniculi ductor par tibi, rarus erit.

Translation of Inscription [Lampsonius]:

To Jan Gossaert, painter. 
You too, indeed, man of Maubeuge, will be said in our verses to have educated your age in drawing.  For who else could daub Apelles’ boards1 with flowering pigments smoother to the eye?  Granted, you yield in skill to others who followed your age.  [But] rare will be the guider of the brush who is equal to you.  


Hollstein 1994 no.91

 Karel Van Mander’s biography of Jan Gossaert
 Grove Art Online biography

 

View the 1572 print
View both prints side by side

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Footnotes:

  1. This of course merely means “paintings”