Cornelis Martin (1567-1621) - Baldovino IV detto Braccio...

This magnificent copper engraving constitutes the historical portrait and apparatus of Baldovino IV of Flanders, historically known as Baldovino the Bearded or Belabarba (indicated at the bottom as Bavdvin Bellebarbe, 6e Comte), included in the volume Les genealogies, et anciennes descentes des forestiers et comtes de Flandre, published in Antwerp circa 1580 by the Flemish scholar Cornelis Martin. The scene shows the count full-length in a commanding pose, typical of a leader, characterized by a long, thick beard and wearing plate armor topped by a heraldic surcoat sable in tones of red, blue, and white, bearing a laurel crown on the head. With both hands he raises a large bare war sword placed diagonally, while at his side the sheath hangs. At his feet, resting on the base of a monumental classical column on the right, lies a formidable tournament helm feathered in red and blue, flanked by gauntlets and by a heraldic shield displaying the ancient radiating emblem alternating white and blue with a central red escutcheon. The background features a deep hilly landscape opening to the left of the figure, showing a medieval castle with conical cylindrical towers overlooking a river crossed by a bridge, where a knight can be seen. The plate, originally drawn by the painter Pieter Baltens and impressed with extraordinary intaglio definition, bears at the top the inscription “Le sixieme Conte de Flandre” alongside page number 65 and plate number 6 at the bottom right, as well as a contemporaneous handwritten note (count) in the center. The value of the specimen is magnificently complemented by a refined contemporaneous watercolor coloration, executed entirely by hand, which brings out the warm tones of the Flemish territory, of the armor, and of the count’s garments. Dimensions 18 x 26 cm Will be shipped by courier

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