Classical Antiquities Engraving, Sepulchrum des Nasonii, Montfaucon 1721

Roman Statues and Coins, Composite Antiquities Plate with Center Fold, 1721 Description: This large and visually rich engraving is a composite antiquarian study plate from the first...

Classical Antiquities and Sacred Figures, Montfaucon Engraving, London 1721 This large and visually rich engraving originates from Bernard de Montfaucon’s monumental work Antiquity ...

Diana of the Ephesians Antique Engraving, Montfaucon Antiquité Expliquée 1721 This original early eighteenth-century copper engraving depicts the famed Diana of the Ephesians (Artemis of Ephesus), one of the most recognizable and symbolically rich cult images of the ancient world. The plate originates from Bernard de Montfaucon’s monumental antiquarian publication *L’Antiquité expliquée et représentée en figures*, published in Paris in 1721, a foundational scholarly work that systematically documented classical antiquities and helped establish archaeology as an academic discipline. Montfaucon’s encyclopedic project sought to gather visual knowledge of ancient civilizations through carefully engraved illustrations based on surviving sculptures, coins, manuscripts, and earlier collections. This engraving presents the Ephesian Artemis in her distinctive archaic form: a rigid frontal figure crowned with a mural headdress, arms extended, and a body covered with symbolic registers. The multiple rounded forms across the torso—traditionally interpreted as fertility attributes—reflect the goddess’s role as a universal mother and protector of nature. Bands of animals, mythological creatures, and sacred motifs reinforce her association with cosmic order, fertility, and the natural world. Unlike the athletic huntress Artemis familiar from Greek sculpture, the Ephesian Diana represents an older Anatolian cult tradition absorbed into Greco-Roman religion. The engraving therefore documents not only a sculpture but also Enlightenment-era attempts to understand ancient religious symbolism through comparative study. Montfaucon’s precise linework and balanced composition exemplify the refined craftsmanship of Parisian copperplate engraving during the early 18th century, combining scholarly accuracy with strong decorative appeal. Today, engravings from L’Antiquité expliquée are highly regarded by collectors of classical antiquity, archaeology, and early academic illustration. The graphic symmetry and sculptural clarity make this image particularly suitable for interiors ranging from traditional libraries to contemporary gallery walls. This original antique engraving is offered unframed, allowing flexibility to select a frame that best suits the intended interior. Condition: Good antique condition with age-related toning and light discoloration to the paper, consistent with early eighteenth-century prints. Minor edge wear and handling marks confined mainly to the margins. Plate impression visible. Blank verso. Framing tips: A dark walnut or ebonized frame with a wide ivory mat enhances the classical presence of the figure. For a modern interior, a slim black frame with generous mat spacing creates a museum-quality presentation emphasizing the engraving’s symmetry. Technique: Copper engraving Maker: Bernard de Montfaucon, France, Paris, 1721 Keywords: Diana of Ephesus, Artemis of Ephesus engraving, Montfaucon Antiquité expliquée, antique classical engraving, Ephesian Diana print, Greek mythology print...

Diana of Ephesus Antique Engraving, Montfaucon Antiquité Expliquée, 1721 This original eighteenth-century copper engraving titled “Diane d’Ephese” illustrates several sculptural representations of the celebrated cult statue of Artemis of Ephesus, one of antiquity’s most enigmatic and symbolically charged religious images. The plate originates from Bernard de Montfaucon’s landmark antiquarian publication L’antiquité expliquée et représentée en figures, published in Paris in 1721, a pioneering encyclopedic study that helped establish the scholarly foundations of archaeology and art history during the Enlightenment. Montfaucon’s ambitious project sought to systematically document the material culture of the ancient world through carefully researched engravings based on surviving sculptures, coins, reliefs, and historical sources. This plate presents multiple interpretations of the Ephesian goddess, comparing sculptural variants and medallion representations. The central figures stand rigidly frontal, crowned and richly adorned, their bodies covered with registers of animals, symbolic figures, and ritual ornamentation. Smaller circular images below further demonstrate how the goddess appeared on ancient coins and reliefs, reflecting Montfaucon’s analytical approach to classical imagery. Unlike the familiar Greek Artemis, goddess of the hunt, the Ephesian Diana represents an older Anatolian mother deity assimilated into Greco-Roman religion. Her distinctive iconography—tiered body coverings, animal motifs, and fertility symbolism—expresses abundance, cosmic order, and divine protection. During the eighteenth century, such images fascinated European scholars attempting to interpret ancient religions through comparative symbolism, making Montfaucon’s publication a cornerstone reference for collectors, antiquarians, and early museums. The engraving is executed with refined precision typical of Parisian copperplate work of the early 1700s, combining scientific clarity with strong decorative appeal. The balanced composition and graphic symmetry allow the print to function equally as a scholarly artifact and an elegant wall piece suited to both classical and contemporary interiors. This original antique engraving is offered unframed, providing flexibility to select a frame appropriate to the intended interior setting. Condition: Good antique condition with age-related toning and light paper discoloration consistent with early eighteenth-century prints...

Wonderful copper-plate engraving after Jan Luyken Published by Marten Schagen, Amsterdam. 1724 Text on verso The measurement given is the paper size.

Wonderful copper-plate engraving after Jan Luyken Published by Marten Schagen, Amsterdam. 1724 Text on verso The measurement given is the paper size.

Wonderful copper-plate engraving after Jan Luyken Published by Marten Schagen, Amsterdam. 1724 Text on verso The measurement given is the paper size.

Wonderful copper-plate engraving after Jan Luyken Published by Marten Schagen, Amsterdam. 1724 Text on verso The measurement given is the paper size.