'The Golden Age'

Derives from the engraving by Nicolaes de Bruyn (1571-1656), dated 1644, after a picture by Abraham Bloemaert which is now presumed lost (see F.W.H. Hollstein, Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, Amsterdam, 1949-, IV, p.19, no.129. Several other pictures derived from the engraving are known, including a painting in reverse, on copper, with signature and date '1604', sold at Christie's, 15 Dec. 1983, lot 151.