Antique Master Print-CYBELE-CERES-CAMEL-LION-LOUIS XIV-Leclerc-le Brun-1700

Original antique master print, titled: ‘Allegorical Tapestry of Earth’. It shows the goddesses Cybele and Ceres on a chariot, attended by a camel, lion, badger and several other animals holding a plaque symbolizing the sun king Louis XIV. With them are the symbols of the riches of the earth – a sheaf of corn, cornucopia, and other produce, as well as the tools necessary for farming. The whole is set within a border of vines and apples, with small inset images. This engraving copies the design of a tapestry made for Louis XIV, using mythological themes and imagery to aggrandize the life of Louis XIV.

Made by Sebastien Leclerc after Charles le Brun.

Medium: engraving / etching with hand colouring on hand laid (verge) paper.

Sheet size: 55.5 x 38.5 cm (21.85 x 15.16 inch). Image size: 52.5 x 36 cm. (20.67 x 14.17 inch).

Condition: good, given age. The edges of the plate with several small, repaired, tears. A restored nick in the middle of the plate. A chip from the top margin. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

CYBELE-CERES-CAMEL-LION-LOUIS XIV | DP-B1-16

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Original antique master print. Our definition of a Master Print is a seperately published print or series of prints, not being an illustrative print to a text. These can both be prints made by old masters (artists) or prints made by others (artists, engravers, etchers) after old masters. Artists and Engravers: Engraved by Le Clerc after a painting by Le Brun, in c.1700.

Biography engraver: Sebastien Leclerc (1673-1714) was a French artist who specialized in subtle reproductive drawings, engravings and etchings after paintings. It was actually Charles Le Brun who moved him to devote himself to engraving entirely.

Biography artist: Charles le Brun (1619-1690) was a French painter and art theorist, one of the most influential figures of his time.