Etching and burin on laid paper from the 18th century, engraved by Prévost and Berthault for the Abbot of Saint-Non. For sale is a prestigious original plate from the 18th century (1782), extracted from Volume II of the monumental work "Voyage Pittoresque ou Description des Royaumes de Naples et de Sicile" by the Abbot of Saint-Non. Copy numbered at the top left, corresponding to page. 62 of Volume II of the original edition of 1782 - size 21x13.5 cm.
SUBJECT: Figurative cul-de-lampe representing an ancient bas-relief with theatrical masks (Tragedy and Comedy) found in the Bourbon excavations of Herculaneum.
AUTHORS: The work is the result of a rare collaboration between two masters of French engraving: Benoît-Louis Prévost (famous for the Encyclopédie) and Pierre-Gabriel Berthault. Signatures present on the plate at the bottom left and right.
TECHNIQUE: Etching and burin on high-weight eighteenth-century laid paper, produced manually.
BACK: Present the original French text page of the time with the description of the Theater of Herculaneum, characterized by the typical eighteenth-century spelling with a long "s".
CONSERVATION STATUS: The sheet presents the typical patina of time which guarantees its authenticity. The engraved area is in excellent condition, with fresh, contrasting inking. There are trimmed edges and traces of oxidation from old glues on the edges (now stabilized), which do not interfere with the enjoyment of the central image. When held against the light, the structure of small rods and columns of the handmade paper is clearly visible.
NOTES FOR THE COLLECTOR: Piece of great importance for the history of archeology and the Grand Tour. It is sold as a loose sheet to ensure safe shipping. A piece of archaeological history perfect to be framed and enhanced, where the signs of time add the charm of the lived object.
Complimentary frame and golden passepartout for personal collection only: total framed dimensions cm. 37.7X29.6h wooden frame thickness approx. 1x1x1 cm. gold "scratched" type finish on a brown background, photos for interested parties on request.
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BRONZE Seller in
Monza-Brianza, Italia
