Engraving, second state
Signed ‘Hh’ by Hendrick Hondius
Copy in reverse direction to Cock 1572 engraved Pictorum
19.2 x 11.7 cm
Transcription of Inscription [Lampsonius]:
PETRO BRVEGEL, PICTORI.
Quis novus hic Hieronymus Orbi
Boschius ? ingeniosa magistri
Somnia peniculoque, styloque
Tanta imitarier arte peritus.
Ut superet tamen interim et illum ?
Macte animo, Petre, mactus ut arte
Namque tuo, veterisque magistri
Ridiculo, salibusque referto
In graphices genere inclita laudum
Praemia ubique, et ab omnibus ullo
Artifice haud leviora mereris
Translation of Inscription [Lampsonius]:
To Pieter Bruegel, painter.
Who is this new Hieronymus Bosch for the world, versed in imitating the master’s ingenious dreams with such great skill of paintbrush and pen – so that sometimes he surpasses even him. Pieter, [you are] blessed in your spirit, as you are blessed in your skill, for in your own and your old master’s comic type of painting, full of wit, you deserve glorious rewards of praise, everywhere and from everyone, no less than those of any artist.
Hollstein 1994 no.100
Karel Van Mander’s biography of Pieter Bruegel
Grove Art Online biography
View the 1572 print
View both prints side by side
