Hercules at the Crossroads (B. 73; M., Holl. 63; S.M.S. 22)

Albrecht Dürer Hercules at the Crossroads (B. 73; M., Holl. 63; S.M.S. 22) engraving, circa 1498, watermark High Crown (M. 29), a fine Meder II a impression (the first, unfinished state survives in two impressions only, in Berlin and Vienna), before the scratch through Hercules's calf, very rich and dark in the shadows, yet remarkably clear and sharp, trimmed on or just inside the platemark but retaining a fillet of blank paper outside the borderline on three sides, with thread margins above, with touches of pen and ink along the upper platemark, the upper sheet corners made-up, the sheet slightly toned, some minor stains and very pale, unobtrusive pinpoint foxing, otherwise in good condition S. 12¾ x 8 13/16 in. (323 x 223 mm.)