Subject: Prints Elements
Period: 1810 (circa)
Publication:
Color: Black & White
Size:
11.6 x 11.5 inches
29.5 x 29.2 cm
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.