Antique 18th Century Book Engraving by Louis-Philippe Boitard - Mythological Figures

This striking antique engraving offers a window into the Age of Enlightenment, a time when artists and scholars were rediscovering and documenting the wonders of classical antiquity. Hand-pulled in the 18th century, this print is a testament to the meticulous skill of master engravers.

The scene depicts a detailed classical frieze, alive with mythological or allegorical figures in a dynamic, high-relief composition. At the bottom of the plate, the collaboration is noted with the Latin abbreviations: "C. Paderne del." (for delineavit, "he drew it") and "L.P. Boitard Sculp." (for sculpsit, "he engraved it"). This marks the work of the notable French engraver Louis-Philippe Boitard, whose prints were highly sought after.

A distinct vertical fold runs down the center of the print, a characteristic that confirms its provenance as a page or fold-out plate from a rare, antique book. This authentic detail tells a unique story of its origin.

An Intriguing Detail: A Frame with its Own History

This engraving is presented in a period-appropriate dark wood frame that holds a fascinating secret. The reverse of the frame bears a label indicating it was originally dedicated to a "Dutch River Scene" by the renowned Dutch Golden Age artist Jan van Goyen, reproduced as a high-quality carbon print by Franz Hanfstaengl, Munich. This original print is still inside the frame, carefully layered behind the Boitard engraving, offering a unique dual-history piece for collectors.

This framed print is not merely a decorative object; it is a genuine piece of art history, encased in a frame with its own significant past. Perfect for collectors, art historians, or anyone who appreciates the enduring beauty of classical aesthetics and the layered stories that antiques can tell.

Excellent vintage condition with a central vertical fold on the Boitard print, consistent with its origin as a book plate. Minor toning to the paper. The frame shows age-appropriate wear.

Frame Measurements (approximate - rounded to the nearest quarter inch):
21 inches in length
15.25 inches in height
0.5 inches in depth

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VINTAGE & ANTIQUE
Vintage and antique items are pre-owned and aged goods. In most cases, we do not clean or polish any items that come into our shop. Once you remove an item's traces of age and patina it's not something you can reverse, so we leave those activities up to the buyer. We try our best to describe items accurately and disclose any and all flaws and imperfections. Please refer to pictures as a visual description. We want to make sure you are happy with your purchase so, please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have prior to checkout.

SHIPPING
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PHOTOGRAPHY
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