Lucas Cranach the Elder (c.1472-1553) After – The Annunciation

A copy (different block) after the woodcut by Lucas Cranach (date unknown).

A very interesting woodblock, printed in black ink on laid paper. Some noticeable differences can be made on comparing our example with an authentic print held in the British Museum; BM. E,7.127 (illustrated Marked BM-collection). The most obvious is the absence of Cranach’s signature of a winged serpent, in its place is inscribed Albert Durer in brown ink. The hand-written ‘Durer’ is not necessarily a red flag; this was added in the 18th and 19th centuries to many drawings and sometimes prints. Late impressions of the Cranach print are known to have a decorative border; with our print there are other differences (for example the continuous lines above the signature, thicker border and contour lines) all the evidence shows the print is from a different block altogether. Dr Olenka Horbatsch the curator at the BM commented ‘I would not necessarily assume it is a Victorian copy, for the block looks fairly worn’. An up-to-date census of all Cranach woodcuts and copies has not yet been published.

Condition: Very good. This print is to be sold as seen without a frame or mount and will be delivered in a conservation standard clear polyester sleeve.

Outside edge of borderline: 24.5-6 x 16.6 cm.
BM-Print, borderlines: 24.3 x 16.6 cm.

We are grateful to Dr Olenka Horbatsch for her help in identifying our print. Curator BM: Dutch, Flemish and German prints and drawings, 1400-1800. The print marked BM-collection is for the purpose of comparing with our print and is not included in the sale.