Antique Mythology Print-ARETHUSA-ALPHEUS-Picart-1733

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. 32 x 49 cm. The image size is ca. 25 x 34.5 cm. Size in inch: The overall size is ca. 12.6 x 19.3 inch. The image size is ca. 9.8 x 13.6 inch.

Plate: ‘ Arethusa pursued by Alpheus, and turned to a Fountain.’ (Plate is accompanied by text in French, English, German and Dutch under image.) Alpheus / Alpheius was a hunter who fell in love with the nymph Arethusa. He pursued her to the island of Ortygia where she changed into a spring or fountain. Alpheus was transformed into a river, but still pursued her. He crossed the sea without mingling with its waters and rejoined Arethusa in Ortygia. When the bulls were sacrificed in Olympia, where the River Alpheius flowed, it appeared that their blood also emerged at the fountain of Arethusa. On this plate Cupid / Eros and Selene, goddess of the moon. 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: Fine. General age related toning.

Keywords: ANTIQUE MYTHOLOGY PRINT-ARETHUSA-ALPHEUS-PICART

PCOX-E3-35