Michiel Natalis After Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665) - The Holy Family Resting

This engraving is very likely an early state by Michiel Natalis (1610-1668) of Poussin's painting 'The Holy Family with Saint John and Saint Elizabeth in a landscape' which is held in the Louvre. An example of the later state is held at the British Museum and this time Christ is covered slightly by some drapery. [1] Our example does not include the drapery and appears to be printed from a similar plate. Unfortunately, our engraving is cut slightly smaller and misses off the inscriptions at the bottom. However, it clearly must be by Natalis as the size also fits, albeit being roughly 4cm shorter in height which explains the lack of text at the bottom of the engraving. The British Museum suggests that their later plate was engraved  between 1655-1677, this date would therefore be similar to our work.
 
Medium: Engraving on laid paper, 38 x 54cm, in a conservation acid-free mount.
 
References:
 
[1] Michiel Natalis After Nicolas Poussin, 'The Holy Family resting', engraving on paper c.1655-1677, British Museum Collection, Museum Number U,7.4. This later state example at the British Museum shows the plate in full and is a good comparison to our work.
 
Condition report: Excellent condition for its age. Some time staining and small foxing marks present. There are also a couple of small tears along the top of the engraving. Please see photographs.