Guido Reni (Italian, 1575–1642) etching on laid paper depicting the Holy Family with John the Baptist and Saint Elisabeth below two angels, c.1590–1610. With anchor inscribed in double circle watermark and Thomas Jefferson Coolidge, Jr., collector's mark (Lugt 1429) en verso, according to Galleria M. Arte, Padova, description. Ref.: Bartsch 8. Floated under glass in a gilt wood frame with foliate corners, with cream mat and gilt French line. Plate: 9 6/8" H x 7 9/16" W. Sheet: 9 15/16" H x 7 7/8" W. Frame: 18 3/8" H x 16 1/8" W. Note: Thomas Jefferson Coolidge, Jr., (1863-1912) was Boston banker and print collector. 121 prints in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, bear his stamp and include 15th-18th century German, Italian, and Dutch Old Master prints as well as 18th-19th century French, English, and American prints. Coolidge was the great-grandson of President Thomas Jefferson and his family's collection also included over 7000 Jefferson-related documents now in the collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society. (Source: Frits Lugt, Les Marques de Collections de Dessins et Estampes, Fondation Custodia)

PROVENANCE: This work was purchased from the Galleria M. Arte in Padova, Italy in 2000. A copy of the gallery's certificate of authenticity is available to the winning bidder. Previously collection of Thomas Jefferson Coolidge, Jr., Boston (Lugt 1429, verso).

A superb, richly-inked, very early impression of this rare etching, with delicate, vertical wiping scratches in the plate printed clearly and crisp, inky plate edges. Sheet is trimmed to the plate and affixed to mat at corners. With minor, unobtrusive foxing throughout, especially to the right hand of Elisabeth and shadows below Christ's feet. Circular ink spots to side of furniture in lower left and above angel's feet in upper right, likely in the making, 3/16" dia.