First state of a series of seven numbered plates with allegorical depictions of the seven planets that were known in classical antiquity: the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. The series was designed by Maarten van Heemskerck (1498-1574), a Dutch portrait and religion painter, whose style was heavily influenced by Italian art. He was one of the first artists from the Low Countries who made drawings specifically intended to be reproduced by printmakers. He usually depicted stories from the Bible or classical mythology, and often in a series of 7 prints. His work was quite popular. Many of the nearly 600 different prints he designed were published by Hieronymus Cock (1518-1570) and his successors until well into the 17th century. The present series was engraved by Herman Jansz. Muller (ca. 1539-1617), who worked for Cock. It is in the first state, with Cock's name, which is removed in later states, printed at the bottom of each plate.
The first and last plate are very slightly creased, mostly in the margins. Otherwise in very good condition. New Hollstein, Maarten van Heemskerck, 546-552.