Lot 336: William Faithorne (the Elder)

William Faithorne (the Elder) British (1616-1691) ST MARKE, MARKES LION.... inscribed, signed & dated in plate: lower margin, 1653 H11 1/8" W7 7/8" *Note: Full inscription reads, ST MARKE /MARKES LION, (AS HIS GOSPEL) DOTH BEGINNE/A CRIERS VOICE THE WILDERNESS WITHIN/MAKE STRAIGHT HIS PATHES, THIS SAME IS ONLY HEE/ OF JUDAH'S TRIBE WHO WAS FORETOLD TO BEE. It is complete with printer's instructions, PLACE THIS FIG: SECT. P:115. *Artist biography: William Faithorne was the first engraver to work in England that was not imported from the Continent. He studied painting and engraving in London under Robert Peake, a strong supporter of King Charles I. During the Civil War, both Faithorne and his teacher served the King. Faithorne was a member of the Royal Garrison and fought at the siege of Basing House from 1643-5. After the surrender, he was imprisoned for two years and was released on the condition that he leave the country. He lived and worked in Paris for the next three years, where he met Robert Nanteuil, the famed French engraver. He refined his own technique through the exposure to Nanteuil among other great portrait engravers. In 1650, he was able to return from exile and to resume a career as the leading engraver and printseller in London, where he worked for the next thirty years. This original engraving entitled, SAINT MARKE, was published as part of an edition of the Bible.