Allegory 'Het leven is een Wonderboeck' (Life is a Book of Wonder) Allegorical engraving featuring many scenes from life from birth to marriage to death, as well as religious imagery. This print was published by the Nederlandsche Exlibriskring. Engraving on wove paper, sheet size 381 x 280 mm., platemark 252 x 195 mm. Made by Debora Duyvis and signed in pencil in the lower right. Dated 1940. Debora Geertruida Duyvis (Amsterdam 1886-1974) was a Dutch graphic artist and painter. She grew up in a well-to-do business family, and went to the Rijksacademie in Amsterdam from 1911 to 1918. Here she was taught graphic techniques by Johannes Aarts. The director of the Rijksacademie at the time, Antoon Derkinderen, also urged her to choose a career in applied arts. Afer her studies she first focussed on portraits in various techniques. She made a long trip to Italy to widen her horizon. She continued to travel throughout her life. She practised all graphic techniques, woodcut, etching, lithography and engraving, but excelled in the technically challenging engraving. Het technical skill was much praised by contemporary artists. A lot of her work was applied art, such as book designs, bookplates and occasional graphic. Elegant and delicate engraving, in fine condition. The margin edges browned, and with a small tear in the top margin. References: Kersten 36; Vervoorn p. 45