Antique Mythology Print-MEMNON-ETHIOPIA-Picart-1733

Original etching/engraving on a verge type hand laid paper. on paper.

Size in cm: The overall size is ca. 29.5 x 43 cm. The image size is ca. 25 x 35 cm. Size in inch: The overall size is ca. 11.6 x 16.9 inch. The image size is ca. 9.8 x 13.8 inch.

Plate: ‘ Memnon’s Statue.’ (Plate is accompanied by text in French, English, German and Dutch under image.) Memnon, one of two sons of Aurora and Tithonus, was King of Ethiopia. Raising an army to assist Priam, he fought at Troy. Memnon killed Antilochus in battle but was himself killed by Achilles. Aurora was inconsolable. She wept for him every morning and it was her tears which formed the dawn’s dew. 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, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional light stains from handling. Please study scan carefully.

Keywords: ANTIQUE MYTHOLOGY PRINT-MEMNON-ETHIOPIA-PICART

PCOX-E3-22