1618 Crocodile, "a diffident youth", Crispin van de Passe II, emblem, reptile

Author: Florent Schoonhoven (Dutch, 1594–1648)

Illustrated by: Crispin van de Passe II (Dutch (worked in France), about 1597–1670)

Printer: Jan Jansson (Dutch, 1588–1664)

Fine and very early copper engraved emblematic plate.

Issued in:

SCHOONHOVIUS, Florentius (1594-1648). Emblemata Florentii Schoonhovii I.C. Goudani, Partim Moralia partim etiam Civilia. Gouda: Andream Burier, 1618.

10.3 x 7.6 cm

First State.

Originally close to his father in artistic style, Crispin van de Passe began to develop a remarkably fine, sketch-like use of the burin in the 1620s. He produced portraits of a number of prominent European royals and nobles, including the French royal couple Louis XIII of France and Marie de' Medici. He also portrayed Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange and other prominent members of Dutch society, such as Gerardus Vossius, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt and Piet Hein.