Monumental Mythological Scene, Classical Figures and Clouds – Montfaucon, 1721

Roman Goddesses, Allegorical Statues and Coins, Composite Engraving, 1721 Description: This large and finely engraved composite plate originates from the first English edition of Be...

Monumental Classical Relief Scene, Montfaucon Antiquity Explained Engraving, 1721 Description This impressive and richly scaled engraving originates from the landmark antiquarian wo...

Classical Mythological Figures Engraving, Montfaucon Antiquité Expliquée 1721 This original early eighteenth-century copper engraving originates from Bernard de Montfaucon’s monumental antiquarian publication L’Antiquité expliquée et représentée en figures, published in Paris in 1721. Widely regarded as one of the most important scholarly works of the Enlightenment, Montfaucon’s encyclopedic study systematically documented the art, mythology, and material culture of the ancient world, laying essential foundations for modern archaeology and art history. The plate presents a carefully arranged compilation of mythological and sculptural studies derived from ancient sources. Multiple vignettes depict classical figures, relief fragments, and symbolic motifs recorded from antique sculptures, gems, and coins. The composition functions almost as a visual catalogue, comparing different representations of mythological subjects collected from prominent European antiquarian collections, including references to works associated with scholars such as Maffei and other early collectors of classical antiquities. At the bottom of the composition, two triton-like sea beings with human torsos and serpent tails raise a nude female figure above the waves, evoking marine mythology connected to nereids, sea deities, or allegorical representations of Venus emerging from the sea. Surrounding studies include winged figures, sculptural heads, medallions, and mythological scenes rendered with remarkable clarity. Montfaucon’s analytical approach—placing multiple related images together for comparison—reflects the Enlightenment ambition to classify and interpret antiquity through visual evidence. The engraving demonstrates the refined precision of early eighteenth-century Parisian copperplate engraving, characterized by delicate linework, balanced spacing, and restrained tonal shading. Beyond its scholarly significance, the plate possesses strong decorative appeal, combining classical imagery with an elegant graphic structure that suits both traditional and contemporary interiors. This original antique engraving is offered unframed, allowing flexibility to select a frame appropriate to the intended interior or collection setting. Condition: Good antique condition with age-related toning and light paper discoloration consistent with early eighteenth-century prints...

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...

Ancient Roman statue, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized in the 18th century. Signed on the ...

Ancient Roman Scene from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Francesco Cepparoli in the 18th Century. Signed on the plate. Good co...

Seascape with Monument and Figures is an Etching realized by Niccolò Vanni (1750-1770). The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title:...

Ancient Roman Scene from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Giovanni Morghen in the 18th Century. Signed on the plate. Good condit...