Description

Original etching/engraving on a verge type handlaid paper. on paper.

Size in cm: The overall size is ca. 28 x 40 cm. The image size is ca. 25.5 x 35.5 cm. Size in inch: The overall size is ca. 11 x 15.7 inch. The image size is ca. 10 x 14 inch.

Plate: ‘ The House of Sleep.’ (Plate is accompanied by text in French, English, German and Dutch below the image). The print depicts the facade of the dwelling place of the Oneiroi (‘Dreams’, the offspring of Hypnos, the Greek God of sleep). The palace is also a representation of the literary image of the Gates of Horn and Ivory. This image was used to distinguish true dreams from false. 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. Temple of the Muses.), 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: Very good, given age. Small tear in right margin, not affecting image, reinforced using contemporary paper backed with acid free archival tape. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

Keywords: ANTIQUE MYTHOLOGY PRINT-HOUSE OF SLEEP-OVID-PICART

PCOX-E1-20