Ptolemy. Philosopher. Carved Gem, Magnified. Picart engraving c1725.

$350.00

Ptolemaeus, Philopator. Auli Opus Gemmae incisum,magnito. Engraving.

A much magnified, carved gem, engraved on copper c.1725 by Bernard Picart (1673 Paris – 1733 Amsterdam), for Priamus Aetionis Opus, Gemmae incisum in Pasta apud Phillp de Stosch – Prussian antiquarian and collector of engraved gems, books, prints and drawings, Baron Philipp von Stosch (1691-1757). One of 70 engravings by Picart to represent carved gems from European collections – including Museum Stoschiani.

Von Stosch lived most of his live in Florence, and his own collection of 3,400 gems was catalogued prior to 1760 (Second Edition) by Johann Joachim Winckelmann as Description des pierres graveés du feu Baron von Stosch. The documentation of engraved gems marked the move from antiquarianism to proto-archaeology in the eighteenth century.

Stephen Picart instructed his son Bernard in design and engraving. When 16, Bernard gained the prize at the Academy of Paris. Gaining distinction in France as both a designer and engraver, Bernard Picart moved to Amsterdam in 1710 and developed a style that combined Dutch and French influences. He became an important printmaker and was considered to be one of the finest engraver of book illustrations during the 18th century.

This rare engraving is in good condition. Though published in black and white, the later stunning gouache colour certainly adds to its enjoyment. It is mounted in antique white conservation ragmat, with painted window edge to compliment the gouache-colour of the engraving.

Page size is 395 x 250mm (15.5 x 10 inches) Plate mark, 27 x 17cm (11 x 7.5 inches)

Out of stock