Antique Print-OSIRIS-ISIS-APIS-HALF SNAKE-ESCULAPIUS-HYGEIA-Creite-Fiteau-1731

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

Size in cm: The overall size is ca. 17 x 25 cm. The image size is ca. 15 x 20 cm. Size in inch: The overall size is ca. 6.7 x 9.8 inch. The image size is ca. 5.9 x 7.9 inch.

Antique print, number 10. It shows: 11 images: 1) a standing Osiris holding a stick atop which a male figurine, Isis emerges from the ground on the left. 2) the God Apis, with Osiris and Isis between its horns as half-man, half-snake. 3) medallion of Isis and Osiris (as half-0man, half-snake figures). 4) medallion with Esculapius and Hygeia (Esculapius as half snake). 5) medallion of Isis and Osiris as snakes (Isis with woman’s breasts). 6-8) medallions from Crete, showing Sabazios (appropriated into Zeus), referencing orgias. 9) medallion showing Esculapius as a snake. 10) medallion of a snake climbing into the Hive of Orgia. 11) medallion showing Ceres on a chariot pulled by snakes. 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, given age. Left margin cropped to the platemark. Right edge a little stained, a small stain in the bottom of the image and one in the bottom margin. General age related toning and occasional light staining from handling as visible on image. Please study scan carefully.

Keywords: ANTIQUE PRINT-OSIRIS-ISIS-APIS-HALF SNAKE-ESCULAPIUS-HYGEIA-CREITE-FITEAU

(PCO) C263-07