Vermis sericus - Nestorian Monks presenting Silk Worm Eggs to the Emperor Justinian (after Jan van der Straet,called Stradanus)
Philip Galle (Haarlem 1537 - Antwerp 1612)
Category
Art / Prints
Date
1523 - 1605
Materials
Paper, Wood
Measurements
203 x 267 mm
Order this imageCollection
Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland
NT 511836
Summary
Print, engraving, Vermis sericus - Nestorian Monks presenting Silk Worm Eggs to the Emperor Justinian (after Jan van der Straet,called Stradanus) by Philip Galle (Haarlem 1537 - Antwerp 1612). One of a set of six early engravings (LIN/P/56 to 61) of silk worm farming and silk weaving in 16th century Florentine houses. The prints depict silk worm farming and preparation of the looms for weaving. They were engraved by Philip Galle (1537 - 1612) after the originals by Jan van der Straet (1523 -1605). In moulded frames. This engraving recounts the story of the Nestorian monks who, according to legend, smuggled silkworm eggs out of China in their hollow walking sticks, seen here presenting the hollow tube filled with eggs to the Emperor Justinian.
Makers and roles
Philip Galle (Haarlem 1537 - Antwerp 1612), engraver (printmaker) Jan van der Straet, called Stradanus (Bruges 1523 - Florence 1605), artist