We are pleased to represent the prints of Jakob Demus in America. This exceptional artist, born in Vienna in 1959, has mastered the difficult art of of engraving with a diamond point on copper. His work was the subject of a major retrospective at the Rembrandthuis Museum in 2005 and a catalogue raisonne has been published by the Hercules Segers Foundation. His prints are in many museum collections including: The British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, The Metropolitan Museum in New York, the Albertina in Vienna, the Berliner Kupferstichkabinett, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Museum of Modern Art in New York, among others.
The editions are small, generally in the range of twenty to thirty impressions only. The artist prints his own work on hand-made paper. He works directly on the copper plate with the diamond point, without a preliminary drawing.
(Note: The images as you see them on the web site are low resolution images produced out of necessity. The originals are far more detailed and finely rendered. We welcome any inquiries you may have.)
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A Small Mine (Marcasite) Diamond drypoint, 1990, de Heer 220, edition 35. 8 1/2 x 6 3/8 in. Signed and dated in pencil. This is a fine impression in fine condition with full margins. The artist's elaborate, highly detailed stone studies are unprecedented in the history of fine art printmaking. $1,000 |
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Aleksandra (Opus 326) Diamond drypoint, 2010, edition of only a few impression. 9 3/4 x 8 in. Signed, dated and titled in pencil. Inscribed "326/I/probedruck." This is a fine impression with full margins. The condition is excellent. This exceptional print is from the artist's 2010 "Nike" series in which he draws directly from nature on the copper plate and prints an edition of only a few impressions. These "plein air" drypoints were done in the forests around Vienna and demonstrate the artist's exceptional skills as a draughtsman. Inspired by the work of Rembrandt, Demus here shows remarkable freedom with the copper plate and the prints from this series are a notable departure from his more restrained and detailed prints from the 1980s. Nike refers to the Greek goddess of victory. The prints are all titled with the names of women. Other works are available. $1,500 |
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Anemones Diamond-drypoint, 1987, de Heer 133, edition 25. 7 x 9 3/4 in. Signed in pencil. Inscribed "IIet." A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "The power of the etcher lies in his treatment of this scale of black from major to minor. He plays his black like the virtuoso plays his violin." (JD) SOLD |
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Antimonite Star Diamond drypoint, 1991, de heer 228, edition 30. 8 1/4 x 4 7/8 in. Signed and dated in pencil. This is a fine impression in fine condition with full margins.
Demus has a remarkable ability to transform unusual subject matter into truly memorable imagery. Working with a diamond point directly on the copper plate is extremely difficult to master. $750 |
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Barbara (Opus 320) Diamond drypoint, 2010, edition of only a few impressions. 9 5/8 x 5 1/2 in. Signed, dated and titled in pencil. Inscribed, "320/1/probedruck." This is a superb impression of this almost unique work. The margins are full and the condition is fine. This exceptional print is from the artist's 2010 "Nike" series in which he draws directly from nature on the copper plate and prints an edition of only a few impressions. These "plein air" drypoints were done in the forests around Vienna and demonstrate the artist's exceptional skills as a draughtsman.
Inspired by the work of Rembrandt, Demus here shows remarkable freedom with the copper plate and the prints from this series are a notable departure from his more restrained and detailed prints from the 1980s. Nike refers to the Greek goddess of victory. The prints are all titled with the names of women. SOLD |
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Bunch of Grapes Diamond-drypoint, 1987, de Heer 150, edition 25. 10 x 5 1/4 in. Signed in pencil. Inscribed "IIIet." A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "This bunch of grapes contains all that is precious and the happiness of the moment." (JD) SOLD |
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Buttercups Diamond-drypoint, 1988, de Heer 167, edition 30. 7 5/8 x 6 1/2 in. Signed in pencil. Inscribed "IIet." A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "I found what I was searching for in the whirlpool of filled petals of these dense buttercup blooms. The centrifugal force is at once tangible and touchable in a cupped hand." (JD) SOLD |
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Cassiterite, Realgar and Malachite Diamond drypoint, 2005, de Heer 304, edition 30. 5 3/8 x 10 15/16 in. Signed and titled in pencil. This is a superb proof impression before the formal edition of 30. The margins are full and the condition is fine. "You stones, who rise from the earth, you are like ships on the horizon of the sea, with names and flags and bows. Your movement is departure and ascension." (JD) $1,000 |
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Christmas Roses Once Again Diamond drypoint, 1987, de Heer 143, edition 25. 6 3/4 x 5 3/4 in. Signed and dated in pencil. This is a fine impression in fine condition with full margins. "The basic idea is the concentration of strength, from whose centre issues an explosive eruption - be it for a single flower or for an entire bouquet." (JD) ON HOLD |
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Conus Gloriamaris Diamond drypoint, 1989, de Heer 210, edition 35. 6 5/8 x 5 1/2 in. Signed and dated in pencil. This is a fine impression in fine condition. The margins are full. Here we have exemplary stone study by Jakob Demus, rich in detail and three dimensionality. $675 |
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Dark Orchid (Wanda) Diamond drypoint, 1989, de Heer 212, edition 30. 8 1/2 x 5 15/16 in. Signed and dated in pencil. A fine impression in fine condition with full margins. Demus has always been intrigued with flowers of all kinds, exotic or otherwise. $850 |
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Falcon's Wing Diamond-drypoint, 1993, de Heer 236, edition 30. 7 3/4 x 10 3/8 in. Signed in pencil. Inscribed "Iet." A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "The wing of the falcon that symbolizes a new beginning: the first print after a dramatic eye illness that prevented me from etching for a whole two years. I first called upon the falcon to be my helper, with his proverbial good eyesight..." (JD) $650 |
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Fruit of the Hazel-Nut Tree Diamond-drypoint, 1988, de Heer 180, edition 30. 8 1/2 x 11 3/8 in. Signed in pencil. Inscribed IIet." A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "The fruit of the hazel is wrapped in wonderful sepals reminiscent of crowns and antlers - like sculpted flames transformed into vegetables. From the Middle Ages, this form recurs in patterns and decorative designs." (JD) SOLD |
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Fulgora Laternaria, Cypraea Valentia Diamond drypoint, 2005, subsequent to de Heer, edition 25. 9 3/4 x 7 in. Signed in pencil. This is a superb impression in fine condition. The margins are full. This is a trial proof of the first state before the edition of 25. It's a major work by the artist and a tour de force of the medium. SOLD |
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Fulgora Laternaria, Cypraea Valentia Diamond drypoint, 2005, subsequent to de Heer (opus 314), edition 25 plus a few proofs. 9 3/4 x 7 in. Dated in the plate, lower left. Signed, dated and inscribed, "probedruck I état" in pencil. This is a superb impression of this major work. The condition is fine and the margins are full. The prints of Jakob Demus were the subject of a retrospective exhibition and catalogue in 2005 at the Rembrandthuis Museum, Amsterdam. He works directly on copper plates with a diamond point leaving little margin for error. $1,300 |
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Garden Delphinium Diamond-drypoint, 1987, de Heer 153, edition 20. 8 3/8 x 6 1/2 in. Signed in pencil. Inscribed "Iet." A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "Plants draw their strength from silence. They are free of the confusion caused by language." (JD) $650 |
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Great Bear (Two Stones from a Stream) Diamond drypoint, 1988, de Heer 187, edition 20. 5 x 10 7/8 in. Signed and dated in the plate; signed and dated in pencil. A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "The Great Bear was my first attempt to bring together two stones. When I randomly named the stones, I never thought of the constellation with the same name. But today: Ursus major. The constellation revolves around the Pole-star which shows us the way." (JD) SOLD |
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Hornets Diamond drypoint, 1989, de Heer 202, edition 30. 5 1/8 x 5 7/8 in. Signed, dated and numbered in pencil. Also inscribed, "II ét" (2nd state). This is a fine impression with wide margins. The condition is excellent. "I embarked on this engraving on my thirtieth birthday, in a mood that was bad-tempered and humorous, already beyond desperation, with the sting of Aristophanes." (JD) $850 |
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Johanna (Opus 323) Diamond drypoint, 2010, edition of only a few impressions. 9 5/8 x 5 1/2 in. Signed, dated and titled in pencil. Inscribed, "323/I/probedruck." This is a fine impression of this almost unique work. This exceptional print is from the artist's 2010 "Nike" series in which he draws directly from nature on the copper plate and prints an edition of only a few impressions. These "plein air" drypoints were done in the forests around Vienna and demonstrate the artist's exceptional skills as a draughtsman. Inspired by the work of Rembrandt, Demus here shows remarkable freedom with the copper plate and the prints from this series are a notable departure from his more restrained and detailed prints from the 1980s. Nike refers to the Greek goddess of victory. The prints are all titled with the names of women. SOLD |
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Katharina (Opus 324) Diamond drypoint, 2010, edition of only a few impression. 9 7/8 x 5 1/2 in. Signed, dated and titled in pencil. Inscribed, "324/I/probedruck." This is a fine, beautifully inked impression printed on sturdy white wove paper. The margins are full and the condition is fine. This exceptional print is from the artist's 2010 "Nike" series in which he draws directly from nature on the copper plate and prints an edition of only a few impressions. These "plein air" drypoints were done in the forests around Vienna and demonstrate the artist's exceptional skills as a draughtsman. Inspired by the work of Rembrandt, Demus here shows remarkable freedom with the copper plate and the prints from this series are a notable departure from his more restrained and detailed prints from the 1980s. Nike refers to the Greek goddess of victory. $1,400 |
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Lady's Slipper Diamond drypoint, 1990, de Heer 223, edition 15. 5 3/8 x 6 1/4 in. Signed and dated in pencil. Here we have a fine, delicate impression with full margins. The condition is excellent. This print is so very typical of the artist's command of the drypoint medium. His editions are always only 15-30 impressions. $750 |
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Lapis Lazuli Diamond-drypoint, 1989, de Heer 194, edition 30. 4 3/4 x 5 3/8 in. Signed in pencil. Inscribed "IIet." A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "This table of stone, a cross-section of a piece of lapis lazuli, placed as a two-dimensional plane in the space, erupts like a stele out of time and demands interpretation and the decoding of its inscription." (JD) SOLD |
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Large 'Schlierenstein' Diamond-drypoint, 1989, de Heer 205, edition 30. 6 1/4 x 9 3/8 in. Signed and dated in the plate. Signed and dated in pencil. Inscribed "IIIet." A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "Every stone has its own form, its physiognomy, origin and history. Every stone is unique, an individual." (JD) $900 |
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Large Iris Diamond-drypoint, 1989, de Heer 199, edition 25. 11 x 13 in. Signed in pencil. Inscribed "probedruck, IIIet." Signed in pencil. A fine impression before the edition of 25. Full margins. Fine condition. "Three leaves pointing up, three down; a balance, like the reflection in the water, moved by the smallest breeze, a showpiece in velvet." SOLD |
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Large Iris Diamond-drypoint, 1989, deHeer 199, edition 25. 11 x 13 in. Signed and dated in pencil. Inscribed "E.A. III ét." This is a superb impression of this rare, large print. The margins are full and the condition is fine. "Three leaves pointing up, three down; a balance, like the reflection in the water, moved by the smallest breeze, a showpiece in velvet." SOLD |
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Large Primrose Diamond-drypoint, 1988, de Heer 164, edition 30. 6 1/2 x 8 1/4 in. Signed in pencil. Inscribed "IIet." A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "And like small open umbrellas, its flowers safeguard the mystery of its origin." (JD) $900 |
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Levkoje Diamond drypoint, 1987, de Heer 140, edition 25. 9 3/4 x 4 3/4 in. Signed in pencil. Inscribed "IIet." A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "This flower now carries the name given to gods. Aphrodite means Leukotheia, or more accurately, leuka thea." (JD) SOLD |
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Mangosteen Diamond-drypoint, 1996, de Heer 246, edition 30. 4 1/4 x 9 in. Signed in pencil. Inscribed "1ét." A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "The four different views are spatially connected through their dynamic unwinding and add up to a fruit garland - like a Hellenistic decoration." (JD) $850 |
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Misia, Bella & Sylvie (Opus 328) Diamond drypoint, 2010, edition of only a few impressions. 9 7/8 x 7 1/8 in. Signed, titled and numbered in pencil. Inscribed, "328/I/probedruck." Thisis a dramatically inked impression rich with plate tone. The margins are full and the condition is excellent. Essentially a monotype, this nocturnal forest scene is one of the most painterly of the "Nike" series of diamond drypoints. $1,500 |
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Murex Loebeckei (opus 315) Diamond drypoint, 2005, subsequent to deHeer, edition 25. 6 x 7 1/4 in. Signed and dated in pencil. This is a superb proof impression before the regular edition. The margins are full and the condition is excellent. We are please to represent the prints of Jakob Demus in America. Many other works are available. $1,000 |
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Persian Stones Diamond drypoint, 1989, de Heer 191, edition 25. 7 1/8 x 7 3/4 in. Signed in the plate and signed and dated in pencil. This is a fine impression in very good condition. (There's a thin ink line in the lower right corner just into the image.) The margins are full. Demus has created a wonderful series of stone studies which are quite unique in the history of graphic art. Other examples are currently available. $1,100 |
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Pia (Opus 319) Diamond drypoint, 2010, edition of just a few impressions. 9 3/4 x 5 5/8 in. Signed, titled, dated and inscribed, "313/I/probedruck.) This is a superb impression printed with plate tone. The margins are full and the condition is excellent. This exceptional print is from the artist's 2010 "Nike" series in which he draws directly from nature on the copper plate and then he prints an edition of only a few impressions. These "plein air" drypoints were done in the forests around Vienna and demonstrate the artist's exceptional skills as a draughtsman. Inspired by the work of Rembrandt, Demus here shows remarkable freedom with the copper plate and the prints from this series are a notable departure from his more restrained and detailed prints from the 1980s. Nike refers to the Greek goddess of victory. The prints are all titled with the names of women. $1,400 |
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Pia (Opus 325) Diamond drypoint, 2010, edition of only a few impression. 9 5/8 x 5 5/8 in. Signed, dated and titled in pencil. Inscribed, "325/I/probedruck." The margins are full and the condition is fine. This exceptional print is from the artist's 2010 "Nike" series in which he draws directly from nature on the copper plate and prints an edition of only a few impressions. These "plein air" drypoints were done in the forests around Vienna and demonstrate the artist's exceptional skills as a draughtsman. Inspired by the work of Rembrandt, Demus here shows remarkable freedom with the copper plate and the prints from this series are a notable departure from his more restrained and detailed prints from the 1980s. We are pleased to offer these stunning prints from this series to collectors for the first time. Nike refers to the Greek goddess of victory. Other works from this series are available. $1,400 |
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Purpura with Dragon Diamond drypoint, 1989, de Heer 211, edition 30. 4 1/4 x 4 5/8 in. Signed and dated in pencil. It's a fine impression in fine condition with full margins. "I found the shell in Naples, the Taoist dragon was inspired by the famous handscroll by Chen Rong, Nine Dragons among Clouds and Waves (Thirteenth Century; Boston, Museum of Fine Arts.)" (JD) SOLD |
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Purpura, Large Murex Diamond-drypoint, 1989, de Heer 209, edition 30. 6 1/2 x 6 7/8 in. Signed in pencil. Inscribed "IIet." A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "A surging image of sea waves turned to stone, fragile, carved by the sea." (JD) SOLD |
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Rembrandt Shell and Tiger Moth Diamond drypoint, 2005, not in DeHeer, edition 25. 2 5/8 x 4 5/8 in. Signed in pencil. This is a fine impression in fine condition with full margins. This is one of three artist's proofs apart from the formal edition. SOLD |
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Seed Capsules from a Monk's Hood Diamond-drypoint, 1988, de Heer 161, edition 25. 9 3/4 x 6 1/2 in. Signed in pencil. Inscribed "Iet." A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "When making this etching I had invisible companions: Durer's 'Knight, Death and the Devil' rode beside me, and night after night they crossed my copper plate." (JD) $800 |
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Selenite-Rose Diamond drypoint, 1990, de Heer 217, edition 30. 5 3/8 x 7 5/8 in. Signed in pencil. "Inscribed "IIet." A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "Stones contain the power to send us on imaginary journeys, to transport us to other countries and dimensions." (JD) $550 |
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Snake Stones Diamond drypoint, 1989, De Heer 190 (iii/III), edition 20 plus a few proofs. 6 1/2 x 10 7/8 in. Signed and dated in the plate. Signed, numbered and dated in pencil. This is a superb impression of this remarkable print. The margins are full and the condition is excellent. Demus produced a series of stone studies which are unique and masterful in their refinement. "This group of three large pairs of stones are variations on the theme of the relationship between two individuals of the same species. Snake Stones shows the start of a coming together - like two ships meeting on water. Here bow pushes before bow. The overlapping of the contours indicates movement in opposite directions." (De Heer pg. 133-134) SOLD |
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Star of Bethlehem II Diamond-drypoint, 1985, de Heer 69, edition 20. 8 1/4 x 4 1/4 in. Signed in pencil. Inscribed "IIet.". A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "Apart from Leonardo's few studies of plants, Durer was my teacher." (JD) $600 |
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The Final Christmas Roses Diamond-drypoint, 1987, de Heer 139, edition 25. 6 1/4 x 7 in. Signed in pencil. Inscribed "IIet." Also inscribed "probedruck." A fine impression in fine condition. Full margins. "The basic idea is the concentration of strength, from whose centre issues an explosive eruption - be it for a single flower or for an entire bouquet." (JD) SOLD |
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The Grapes of Bacchus Diamond drypoint, 1988, de Heer 182, edition 30. 10 1/8 x 8 3/4 in. Signed, dated and numbered in pencil. This is a superb impression in fine condition. The margins are full. "The bunch of grapes sums up all that is happiness, and indeed the essence of Classical Antiquity. Geometrically shaped, alive, the enjoyment of perfection." (JD) SOLD |
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Three Marrons Diamond-drypoint, 2004, de Heer 301, edition 30. 3 x 6 1/2 in. Signed in pencil. A fine, delicate impression in fine condition. Full margins. $500 |
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Two Rembrandt Shells Diamond drypoint, 1990, de Heer 216, edition 30. 5 1/8 x 5 1/2 in. Signed in pencil. This is a fine impression in fine condition with full margins. This is an artist's proof of the fourth state. "as a child...I was familiar with the shell from Rembrandt's etching; it was possibly the first time that I took note of the relationship between a work of art and it's source." I was also thinking of pointed carnival hats, and the hats donned by fools in works by Bosch and Breugel." (JD) SOLD |
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Walnuts Diamond drypoint, 2005, subsequent to de Heer, edition 25. 5 1/2 x 11 3/4 in. Signed in pencil. This is a fine impression in fine condition. The margins are full. This is a recent work from a series of walnut studies. This impression is a trial proof before the formal edition was printed. SOLD |
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