Peter BRUEGEL - Franz HUYS (1522-1562). Suite of seagoing ve - Lot 245

Peter BRUEGEL - Franz HUYS (1522-1562). Suite of seagoing vessels designed by Peter BRUEGEL, engraved by Franz Huys. Hirominas Cock, 1559-1565, Antverpia. Jardin de Flore, 1977. Large broadside, one title leaf, one table leaf, one printer's copy and 11 engraved plates, publisher's slipcase. Edition of 200 numbered copies. Large broadsheet, one title leaf, one table leaf, one printer's proof and 11 engraved plates, publisher's slipcase. The suite of engravings for Les Vaisseaux de mer was probably completed well before 1565, the date on the first plate of the series, which was probably added later by an editor. Peter Bruegel, who had traveled in France, Switzerland, Italy and as far afield as the Middle East, notably drew the Combat naval dans le détroit de Messine, which was engraved in 1559 or 1561 by Franz Huys. This plate shows the town of Messina and numerous ships, the studies of which were probably used to create the series of eleven engravings depicting different ships. It is generally accepted that this series of engravings dates from 1561-1562. The last plate, "Seize bateaux de tout genre" ("Sixteen boats of all kinds"), is given as doubtful. It is unsigned, and it is generally agreed that it lacks the quality and beauty of the other engravings. In 1568, this suite consisted of ten plates. In 1636, the inventory of the business of Théodore Galle, the publisher who succeeded Jérôme Cock, apparently included a series of twelve pieces. But we can assume that the suite was completed by the merchant in the 17th century. In any case, the eleventh plate includes a boat that did not exist in Bruegel's day.