Live auction - Lot 5
[Dutch school]
Design for a frontispiece with the legend of wild angelica.
Late 18th c
€ 100 / 150
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Lot description
Black ink, grey wash, 26,6 x 17,0 cm, laid paper, titled "Aamsteldans / ce 14 de avril / 1694", ms. notes on verso (few creases, light stains, some wormholes).
Mounted at upper edge.
Curious drawing with numerous putti. At bottom a monk drinking from a jug with rosaries and devotional images, inscribed "frere couscouille". This is a reference to the plant Angelica sylvestris or wild angelica, of which liquor is made to this day. According to a legend, this plant was brought to a monk by an angel who revealed its magical powers to him. Supposedly, it protects children, fights the plague, cures the bites of rabid animals and drives away the devil. The ms. notes and folds on the verso indicate the drawing was send to someone.