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Claesz., Allaert
( fl ?Utrecht, c. 1520–26). North Netherlandish engraver. The work of the Monogrammist AC was first associated with Allaert Claesz. in the third edition of van Mander. Over 200 plates are assigned to him, though many questionably. Though once thought to have been active until 1555, a reinterpretation of the numerals on the dated prints confines the artist’s activity to the 1520s. The prints comprise 92 religious, 57 secular and 50 ornamental subjects of original design (e.g. Naked Queen on a Throne, Threatened by a Dragon, 1523; Aumüller, no. 120 I/II) as well as direct copies after contemporary Dutch, German and Italian artists. The prints are distinguished by a jewel-like quality, preciousness of detail, elaborate ornamental style and playful and decorative use of the burin. Claesz.’s debt to Lucas van Leyden can be seen in the extremely fine linear patterns and subtle tonal gradations. His work is sometimes confused with that of Frans Crabbe because of its silverpoint-like appearance. Extant impressions are rare.
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