Antique Print-FRONTIS-SCHOLAR-ALLEGORY-COMPARATIVE MYTHOLOGY-Creite-Fiteau-1731

Original etching/engraving on a verge type handlaid paper. on paper.

Size in cm: The overall size is ca. 18.5 x 25.5 cm. The image size is ca. 15 x 20.5 cm. Size in inch: The overall size is ca. 7.3 x 10 inch. The image size is ca. 5.9 x 8.1 inch.

Antique print, showing: a female scholar working on comparative mythology, seated at a table. Time stands at her table with two putti, each holding pagan religious objects. Time points out the window, where the basic images of Christianity can be seen. The floor of the room is filled with books, scrolls, a globe and pagan statuettes. This print originates from ‘De Zeden der Wilden van Amerika’ (The Customs of the American Savages) by J.F. la Fiteau, published ‘s-Gravenhage: Gerard van der Poel, 1731. This is the first Dutch edition of the work originally published in French (‘Moeurs des Sauvages Ameriquains’, 1724). This work deals with the mythology of America (compared to Western and Egyptian mythologies). Ref: Backer-Sommervogel . IV, column 1362, Sabin 38598. Artists and Engravers: The frontispiece of the originating work is signed E.L. Creite. All other images are unsigned, but assumed to be by the same artist. Engraver: Ernst Ludiwg Creite (1728-1765) was a German printmaker. He received his training in Braunschweig, but worked in The Hague his entire career. Author: Joseph-Francois Lafitau (Bordeaux 1681-1746) was a French Jesuit missionary, ethnologist and naturalist. He is best known for his discovery of ginseng, and his work on the Iroquois. He is praised for his use of the comparative method of scientific field anthropology.

Condition: Very good. Some small stains in the left margin. General age related toning and occasional light staining from handling as visible on image. Please study scan carefully.

Keywords: ANTIQUE PRINT-FRONTIS-SCHOLAR-ALLEGORY-COMPARATIVE MYTHOLOGY-CREITE-FITEAU

(PCO) C263-01