Picart engraved gem, Amor. Leonem. Domans. Plotarchi. Love engraving c1725

by Picart, Bernard

Picart 18th century engraving of a magnified gemstone carved with a lyre-playing putti on a lion.

Striking original copperplate engraving circa 1725 by Bernard Picart (1673-1733), of a (much magnified) carved, engraved gem from a series that portrays ancient subjects, including Kings, and Greek and Roman gods and mythology. The later stunning hand-colour in gouache and watercolour sets off the subject matter beautifully.

Picart was a superb draughtsman and engraver, taught by his father, engraver Etienne Picart. At the age of 16, Bernard won a prize at the Academy of Paris. Bernard Picart worked in Paris, Antwerp and Amsterdam, and developed a beautiful graphic style that combined both French and Dutch artistic influences. He became a Protestant convert, and was best known for his illustration of religious themes.

Page size is 250 x 395mm (10 x 15.5 inches) Plate mark, 19 x 28 cm (7.5 x 11 inches)