**Short Description:**

Antique Old Master devotional engraving/etching depicting St. Didymus among serpents, dragon, asp, viper, and wilderness creatures. Printed on laid paper with visible plate impression, closely trimmed and framed. Approx. frame size 11.5 x 10.25 inches.

**Full Description:**

Offered is an antique Old Master devotional engraving / etching depicting **St. Didymus among serpents and dangerous creatures**, shown in monastic dress beside a bookstand and rustic hut. The lower Latin inscription refers to Didymus’s holy steadfastness and his protection from dragon, asp, viper, and other evils.

The composition corresponds closely to known late 16th to early 17th century devotional print series examples associated with **Francesco Valesio / Valegio** and related Old Master printmakers. This example is printed on **laid paper**, has a visible **plate impression / intaglio plate mark**, and measures in the expected approximate image format of **7.7 x 5.9 inches**. The sheet appears closely trimmed, which is common with early devotional series prints.

A fine small-format religious Old Master print with strong detail, dense linework, and unusual iconography including serpents, dragon-like creature, toad/frog, and wilderness setting. Presented in a later gilt frame with matting.

**Condition Report:**

Antique condition. Print is on laid paper with visible plate impression. Sheet appears closely trimmed. Not laid down to backing board. Age toning, discoloration, mat line/toning, and general handling wear visible, especially around the lower inscription area. Framed under glass; not fully examined outside the frame. Frame and mat show age-related wear, scuffing, and surface marks. Please review all photos carefully.

**Specifications:**

* Subject: St. Didymus among serpents / wilderness creatures

* Type: Old Master devotional engraving / etching

* Period: Likely late 16th to early 17th century, c.1600

* Attribution: After / associated with Francesco Valesio / Valegio type

* Medium: Intaglio print on laid paper

* Inscription: Latin text below image

* Plate/image size: approx. **7.7 x 5.9 in.**

* Framed size: approx. **11.5 x 10.25 in.**

* Frame: Later gilt frame with matting

* Condition: Closely trimmed, toned, framed, not laid down