23-Rare-Antique Master Prints-PLAYING CARD-OVID MYTHOLOGY-Kuslin-Bella-c.1690

23 Mythological scenes based on the Metamorphoses of Ovid.

Made by Christiana Kuslin after Stefano Della Bella.

Medium: Etching on hand laid (verge) paper.

Sheet size: 7.5 x 6.5 cm (2.95 x 2.56 inch). Image size: 5.5 x 4.5 cm. (2.17 x 1.77 inch).

Condition: good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

PLAYING CARD SCENES-OVID MYTHOLOGY | PCO-C104-18

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

After a series: ‘Jeu de Fables’ consisting of 53 cards (title + 52) by Stefane della Bella, first published in 1644 by Henri de Gras. Later ed. in 1664 (Florentin Lambert) and in 1698 (Florent le Comte / Covens & Mortier) but now as theatrical costume prints. The plates were designed by Jean Desmarests de Saint-Sorlin for Cardinal Mazarin to serve as an education game for the youngLouis XIV.

State: These appear to be proof impressions as the plates were not cut yet to be used for a set of playing cards.

Reference: de Vesme: le peintre graveur italien. Milano 1906: 489-541.

This is a preview listing and not fully described and priced. Only available on our website. Please inquire.

Biography engraver: Johanna Christina / Christiana (b.1665, active till c. 1700) and her sister Magdalena were German engravers from Augsburg. They are known for illustrating minature bibles.

Biography artist: Stefano della Bella (Italian 1610-1664).