Description

Original etching and engraving combination on a verge type hand laid paper. 100% original and authentic. on paper.

Size in cm: The overall size is ca. 31.5 x 49 cm. The image size is ca. 25 x 34.5 cm. Size in inch: The overall size is ca. 12.4 x 19.3 inch. The image size is ca. 9.8 x 13.6 inch.

Plate: ‘ Amphion builds the walls of Thebes by the Music of his Lyre.’ (Plate has text in French, English, German and Dutch). Amphion and Zethus were the sons of Zeus and Antiope. Persecuted by her father, Antiope sought refuge at Sicyon. Lycus conquered Sicyon and made Antiope his prisoner. She gave birth to Amphion and Zethus, who were left to die on Mount Cithaeron but were raised by shepherds. After many years Antiope escaped from Lycus, who now reigned over Thebes, and rejoined her twin sons. The sons attacked Thebes, killing Lycus. Amphion and Zethus then proceeded to fortify the city: Zethus carried the stones while Amphion, with the magical music produced from his lyre, caused the stones to move of their own volition. 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: Fine. General age related toning.

Keywords: ANTIQUE MYTHOLOGY PRINT-AMPHION-LYRE-OVID-PICART

PCOX-E3-48

BBE