Joseph de Montalegre

Joseph de Montalegre was an artist active during the early eighteenth century, with verifiable dates placing his artistic activity between 1700 and 1714. His documented output consists primarily of printmaking, demonstrating expertise in both formal portraiture and detailed scientific illustration.

The known body of Montalegre’s work focuses heavily on botanical subjects, particularly those derived from the major illustrative series, Nurnbergische Hesperides. These technical studies of citrus varieties include works such as No. 125 - Limon Ponzino da Neapoli. Palazzo del N. H. Cornaro à Fiesso, No. 185 - Aranzo Striato dolce. Palazzo del N. H. Fonte in Noventa, Nurnbergische Hesperides: Aranzo da Portugal, and Nurnbergische Hesperides: Aranzo de fior doppio. His output also encompassed portraiture, exemplified by the print Portret van Georg Franck von Franckenau (I).

Seven prints by Joseph de Montalegre are currently represented in major museum collections, attesting to his historical importance as an early eighteenth-century printmaker. These institutions include the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Cleveland Museum of Art. The continued preservation of Joseph de Montalegre prints allows for scholarly examination of these historical documents. Many of these high-quality prints have entered the public domain, securing their permanent accessibility for research and reference.