. Engraving and etching : a handbook for the use of students and print collectors . Fig. 22. Israel von Meckenen : The Card-players (detail). possesses real power of observation combined with fresh-ness of humour, as is particularly proved by his various* Scenes of Domestic Life, his comic Family of Foxes,and similar engravings. As a rule, he copies otherartists—Schongauer, the Master E. S., the early work ofDiirer, the Master of the Amsterdam Cabinet, and soforth ; and apparently most of his engravings are mere ISRAEL VOX MrXKENEN 43 copies. For a series of cn<^ravings of the Life of theVi
. Engraving and etching : a handbook for the use of students and print collectors . Fig. 22. Israel von Meckenen : The Card-players (detail). possesses real power of observation combined with fresh-ness of humour, as is particularly proved by his various* Scenes of Domestic Life, his comic Family of Foxes,and similar engravings. As a rule, he copies otherartists—Schongauer, the Master E. S., the early work ofDiirer, the Master of the Amsterdam Cabinet, and soforth ; and apparently most of his engravings are mere ISRAEL VOX MrXKENEN 43 copies. For a series of cn<^ravings of the Life of theVirgin Meckencn has made use of pictures by the elderHolbein, as is proved without doubt by four of the Meckcnen himscll saw the pictures, which arestill preserved at Augsburg, or how their compositionwas communicated to him, remains still unknown. Platesby other masters, for example some by the Master F. V. B.,which came into his hands in a worn condition, he re-. Fig. 23. The Master P. P. W.: Playing-card. worked, adding his own signature without any shame toanother mans work. Retouching, indeed, plays an im-portant part throughout Meckenens work. As soon as hisown plates began to show signs of wear by printing, hewould give them a fresh appearance by going over theold work and making all manner of cunning additions withthe graver. Mcckenen is one of the first artists whoseengravings appear in several states. All kinds of subjectspertaining to his time are treated in his prints. In 44 GERMAN ENGRAVING TO 1528 spite of his only moderate artistic skill his engravings attractby the abundance of their subjects, the manifold varietyof contemporary costumes, and the wealth of their detail,particularly where opportunity admitted of such display,as in his Birthday of Herod, Judith in the Tent ofHolofernes, etc. Among his most unsatisfactory printsare his banal, and often absolutely crude representations ofChrist, the Virgin, and Saints. Meckenen was a
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