BRUEGEL, Pieter the Elder (1525-30 – 1569), after:

Fortitudo,
from The Seven Virtues, probably engraved by Phillipp Galle (1537-1612)

Engraving, published 1559-60. Bastelaer 132-8; Lebeer 31-7; New Hollstein (Orenstein) 18, first state of two
Watermark: Hand and flower (Heawood 2534, c. 1559)

An exceptionally fine, warm, early impression printed in dark brown ink, with part of the guide-lines mentioned by Orenstein for early impressions, with wide margins. These with some pale foxing and minor soiling, otherwise in excellent condition. 224 x 291mm.

This is the only plate from the Virtues to include the monstrous creatures that populate the Vices.
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