Jan Wierix

John Kemeys-Tynte, 9th Baron Wharton (1908-1969)

Fixed in the corners to the backing board. Vellum considerably browned, but ink only slightly faded.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Philips van Marnix (1540-1598), lord of St. Aldegonde, was a statesman, poet and theologian who was one of the most important leaders in the first decades of the Dutch revolt against the Spaniards.  This drawing would appear to be the study for an engraved portrait, executed by Wierix in 1581, which corresponds closely to the drawing, apart from the addition of a Latin text in a cartouche at the bottom (for which Wierix has left space in this drawing).  

Despite his historical importance, only a very few images of Marnix are known, the earliest of which is a woodcut by Antoon van Leest, depicting Marnix at the Diet of Worms in 1578, where he delivered the famous Oration to the German Emperor and Princes, in which the Netherlands pleaded for help in their struggle against Spanish oppression.  The British Museum has a medal, dated 1580, which is very similar to Wierix's print, and in the year of Marnix's death Jacques de Gheyn made a fine portrait drawing of him, now in the Amsterdam Museum, in preparation for an engraving published in the year after the sitter's death.¹

Marnix's political legacy is undoubtedly overshadowed by his varied intellectual achievements, which included translating the Bible, working as a brilliant cryptographer, and writing various poems, including the words to the Dutch national anthem, Wilhelmus van Nassouwe.

1.  I.Q. van Regteren Altena, Jacques de Gheyn, Three Generations, The Hague/Boston/London 1983, vol. II, pp. 113-4, no. 694, vol. III, p. 45, pl. 20