Two Dutch East Indiamen under full sail. Carrying the colours of the Dutch republic and the city of Amsterdam.

Rare and famous etching by Bohemian etcher Wenceslaus Hollar, made during his time in the Netherlands.

Condition

Strong and even imprint of the copperplate etching. Watermark as called for. Excellent collector's condition.

Wenceslaus Hollar (23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a prolific and accomplished Bohemian graphic artist of the 17th century, who spent much of his life in England. He is known to German speakers as Wenzel Hollar; and to Czech speakers as Václav Hollar. He is particularly noted for his engravings and etchings. He was born in Prague, died in London, and was buried at St Margaret's Church, Westminster.

(Wikipedia)

Wenceslaus Hollar (born July 23, 1607, Prague—died March 25, 1677, London) was a Bohemian etcher whose works are a rich source of information about the 17th century.

Hollar went to Frankfurt in 1627 where he studied under the engraver and publisher Matthäus Merian, later moving to Strasbourg, and then to Cologne in 1633. There he attracted the attention of the collector Thomas, earl of Arundel, with whom he was associated for most of his life. Hollar settled in England in 1637, but moved to Antwerp in about 1644, and returned to London in 1652.

He was a master etcher, and his work is still much appreciated by connoisseurs. He illustrated a number of books and produced the celebrated Views of London after the Great Fire of 1666. Some 3,000 plates are credited to him. He died in extreme poverty.

(Brittanica}