Limited Edition Engraving by Henri Ramah on "Unicorn" Laid Paper
£650.00
Description
This poignant and intimate domestic scene, executed in iron-gall ink, offers a rare glimpse into 17th-century private life. Purchased in Belgium, the work depicts a robust male figure lifting a child in a moment of celebration, while a figure looks on from a curtained bed, a composition echoing the humanist warmth of the Flemish Golden Age.
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Limited Edition Engraving by Ramah on "Unicorn" Laid Paper
This exceptional work is a masterclass in the revival of traditional intaglio techniques. Purchased in Belgium, the engraving depicts an intimate domestic scene, a robust male figure lifting a child in a moment of celebration, while a figure looks on from a curtained bed. The composition is a deliberate and sophisticated homage to the humanist warmth of the Flemish Golden Age.
While the imagery captures the spirit of the 1600s, this is a hand-signed, (numbered 41/130) by the celebrated Belgian artist Ramah (Henri François Raemaeker, 1887–1947). Ramah, a key figure in Belgian modernism, was known for his superb draftsmanship; here, he utilises a prestigious sheet of 17th-century hand-laid paper to give the edition an unmistakable authority and historical weight.
The true significance lies in the support: when viewed under transmitted light, the paper reveals a magnificent Unicorn watermark and scrolled countermark. This confirms the paper itself dates from circa 1640–1680, a period when unicorn watermarks signified the highest quality "fin" grade papers from the Low Countries.
This work represents the sophisticated "revival" of Flemish traditions. By choosing to print an engraving on 400-year-old watermarked paper, Ramah bridges the gap between the Baroque period and the 20th-century avant-garde. The unicorn watermark—a symbol of purity and strength—adds a layer of "object" value that transcends the image itself, making it a dual-interest piece for both fine art collectors and specialists in paper history.
Dealer’s Comment
"This is a 'connoisseur’s find' that bridges two eras of Belgian art. Finding a signed engraving by Ramah is a delight, but finding one executed on a verified sheet of 17th-century 'Unicorn' paper is an absolute rarity. It is an 'object' in the truest sense; the paper tells a story as compelling as the ink. We have chosen an ebony-style frame to provide a sharp, modern contrast to the rich, foxed patina of the ancient paper. It is a superb, tactile piece of history that demands to be seen in person."
Condition Report
The engraving is in excellent stable condition. The laid paper shows characteristic "age-toning" and light, honest foxing throughout, which confirms its 17th-century origin and adds to the atmospheric quality of the print. The Unicorn watermark is exceptionally crisp and visible under a lightbox. Newly float-mounted in a contemporary ebony-style frame using museum-grade, acid-free materials.
Measurement
Height:Â Â Â Â Â Â 35 cm /Â Â Â 13.8 inch
Width:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 31 cm /Â Â Â 12.2 inch
Depth:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3.5 cm /Â Â 1.4 inch
Weight:Â Â Â Â Â Â 1 k.g. /Â Â Â Â 2.2 lbs
Cleaning, Polishing & Restoration
All our collections have been through our workshop and where possible, we always try to maintain the original finish preserving the patina and colour, some items are sympathetically restored and this is done by our own skilled craftsmen using only traditional methods
