COMMODUS (161-192). Commodus was the son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. At 15 years old, Commodus become co-emperor with his father in 177, and became the 18th Roman emperor three years later, when his father died in 180. Framed original chiarusco woodcut (with brown tone) combined with a line etching, on a verge type handlaid paper. Additional front and rear bookprint text on paper. Page 39. This print originates from an edition of Hubert Goltzius’ ‘Icones Imperatorum Romanorum’ (this edition published in Antwerp by Balthasar Moretus ca. 1645). The first edition of this work was published between 1557 and 1560 in Antwerp by J. Coppens van Diest. Artists and Engravers: Hubert Goltzius is often credited with etching the portraits. Christoffel Jegher made the woodcuts. Christoffel Jegher (1596-1652/3) was a wood engraver born at Antwerp. He worked for Rubens from 1627, and is probably a pupil of Christoffel van Sichem. Hubert Goltzius (1526-1583) was a Dutch humanist author, antiquarian and numismatist. He was born in Venlo, and studied under Lambert Lombard in Liege and later in Antwerp. He settled in Bruges in 1558, and starts publishing several works on ancient numismatics. The title page is by Cornelis Galle after Peter Paul Rubens. #rareprint #christoffeljegher #hubertgoltzius #commodus #romanemperors @iowacityart (at Iowa City Art & Antiques) https://www.instagram.com/p/CXQuRQwOUF9/?utm_medium=tumblr
