Description

Original etching/engraving on hand laid (verge) paper. on paper.

Size in cm: The overall size is ca. 29.5 x 42.9 cm. The image size is ca. 25.5 x 35.2 cm. Size in inch: The overall size is ca. 11.6 x 16.9 inch. The image size is ca. 10 x 13.9 inch.

Plate: ‘ Orpheus leading Eurydice out off Hell, looks back upon her, and looses her forever.’ (Plate is accompanied by text in French, English, German and Dutch under image.) Orpheus passionately loved a nymph named Eurydice. After their marriage, Eurydice was mortally bitten by a snake concealed in the grass. Orpheus was inconsolable and resolved to descend into the Underworld to reclaim his deceased wife. With his musical charms he convinced Hades and Persephone to take back his wife to the world of the living. Their sole proviso was that back to Earth Orpheus should not look back upon her. Tragically, upon reaching the uppermost gates, Orpheus turned back. At once she was whisked back to the infernal regions, this time forever. This attractive original old antique print / plate originates from: ‘Tafereel, of Beschryving van den prachtigen Tempel der Zang-Godinnen.’ (Translation from Dutch: Scene or description of the magnificent temple of singing godesses.), by Bernard Picart Le Romain and published by H. Chatelain in Amsterdam, 1733. This is the first edition of this beautiful work, which took three years to complete, is a highlight of 18th century Dutch book illustration. The work consists of 60 full-page folio size plates within different ornamental borders, illustrating the Metamorphoses by Ovidius. Artists and Engravers: The author and engraver of this work is Bernard Picart (1673-1733). He was a French painter and engraver. He received his art education from his father, Etienne (1632-1721), from Le Brun and Jouvenet at the Royal Academy. His talents developed rapidly: at the age of sixteen he gained honors at the Academy of Paris.He was born in Paris and died in Amsterdam. Other engravers worked on this work as well.

Condition: Excellent. General age related toning and light staining in the margins. Please study scan carefully.

Keywords: ANTIQUE MYTHOLOGY PRINT-ORPHEUS-EURDYDICE-PICART

PCOX-E1-18