Catalog Archive
Auction 185, Lot 742

"[Lot of 4] L'Air [and] La Terre [and] Le Feu [and] L'Eau"

Subject: Prints Elements

Period: 1810 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
11.6 x 11.5 inches
29.5 x 29.2 cm
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This matching set of four engravings were based on paintings by Francesco Albani of the four elements in circular compositions. Air depicts Juno in a chariot, surrounded by female figures representing meteors, with Aeolus below, unleashing the winds. Earth focuses on the goddess Berecynthia holding a globe, accompanied by Flora, Ceres and Bacchus on a chariot. Fire is centered on Jupiter with his thunderbolts, while putti make arrows in Vulcan's forge, and Venus rides her chariot in the clouds above. Water shows Galatea on a chariot made of shells and being pulled by dolphins, surrounded by nereids, tritons, and river gods. Designed by Joseph Odevaere and engraved by Jean Baptiste Michel Dupréel.

References:

Condition: A

Excellent impressions on bright sheets with minor marginal soiling. The engraving of Air has some separations along the platemark at bottom, well away from the image.

Estimate: $550 - $700

Sold for: $200

Closed on 11/17/2021

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