• Title : The Embrace
• Date : 1870
• Condition: (A+) Fine Condition
• Ref:  22403-1
• Size: 13 1/2in x 9 1/2in (345mm x 240mm) 

Description:
This fine, original antique Heliograph of The Embrace by Master M Z or Mattaus Zaisinger in 1503 was re-engraved and published by Charles Amand-Durand in 1870.
These faithful re-engravings of classic and historical wood-cuts were faithfully re-issued by Amand-Durand in Paris in the mid to late 19th century. Such is the quality of his re-strikes that Durands prints are now in major institutional collections such a the Louvre, National Gallery, The Met and many other famous Galleries. Please see below for further background on Amand-Durand.

General Definitions:
Paper thickness and quality: - Heavy and stable
Paper color : - off white
Age of map color: -
Colors used: -
General color appearance: -
Paper size: - 13 1/2in x 9 1/2in (345mm x 240mm)
Plate size: - 8in x 6in (205mm x 1530mm)
Margins: - Min 1in (25mm)

Imperfections:
Margins: - None
Plate area: - None
Verso: - None

Matthaus Zaisinger (aka Master M.Z.), German (1498 - 1555) was a German Goldsmith & Engraver who published twenty-two engravings with the signature initials MZ. Six are dated (1500, 1501, 1503). There are no later dated prints and it is believed that most of his work is concentrated around c1500. The prints are equally divided between religious and secular subjects, often a state of disquiet inhabits his figures, accompanied by eccentric use of perspective and abrupt changes in scale, as seen for example in The Embrace and Solomons Idolatry. Most of his works have landscape backgrounds executed with a delicate, atmospheric touch that suggests a precursor of Albrecht Altdorfer and other painters of the Danube school.

<b>The Embrace</b> contains all of the elements of an adulterous tryst with the stag horns on the chandelier being a common symbol of cuckoldry, but the woman seems an unenthusiastic participant.