Simon
Gribelin II (1661–1733)
“Shield Of Achilles” (aka “Le Bouclier d'Achille”), c.1715–20,
after Nicolas Vleughels (aka
Nicolas Wleughels) (1668–1737), proof impression before the addition of
publication details and elaboration of the line-fillers in the lower text. This
print was later published in 1720 as an Illustration to the first edition of Alexander Pope’s (1688–1744) translation of Book 18 of Homer’s
“Iliad” (fl.c.9th–8thC BC).
See
the later publication state of this print offered by alamy images:
Charles-Nicolas Cochin (aka Charles Nicolas Cochin père)
(1688–1754) also made an etching of the same design after
Nicolas Vleughels, who I understand was commissioned by Jean
Boivin (1663-1726)— professor of Greek at the Royal
College and member of the Academy— to illustrate Achilles' shield as described
by Homer, published by François Jouenne
in 1715 in Paris.
Regarding
Vleughels’ representation of this shield, the Bibliothèque nationale de France
(BnF) advises:
(transl.)
“This reconstruction remains fairly faithful to the text, with the universe at
its center, surrounded by twelve scenes from human life: three on the city in
peace, three on the city in war, three on agriculture, three on pastoral life”
Etching
and engraving on laid paper trimmed around the platemark with added sides and
backed on a support sheet.
Size:
(sheet) 16.8 x 15.7 cm; (plate) 16.3 x 14.2 cm; (outer image borderline
diameter) 14.5 cm.
Lettered
on plate: (above the shield) “The Shield […] of Achilles/ as […] describ’d in/
Homers […] 18th Ilias.”; (below the shield) ïn Twelve […] Tables./
Three of a Town in Peace. 1. a Marriage. 2. An Assembly of the People. 3. A Senate./
Three of a Town in War. …/ …/ Three of Agriculture. …/ Three of a Pastoral
Life. 10. Lions & Herds of Cattle. 11. Sheep. 12. The Dance.”
Condition: good (but not marvellous) proof-state impression trimmed along the platmark on the lower
edge with the addition of 8 mm of paper extensions to the sides and laid onto a
support sheet of millennium quality washi paper. The side panel extensions are
mottled with stains (glue?) and this mottling is also to be seen slightly
within the platemark otherwise the sheet is in good condition (i.e. there are
no tears, holes, folds, abrasions or signs of foxing).
I
am selling this remarkable proof-state etching of great complexity in its
design (following Homer’s description of the shield purported to be forged by the god Hephaestus) showing
the constellations at the centre surrounded by the twelve Zodiac signs and an
outer ring depicting twelve scenes from everday life, for the
total cost of AU$290 (currently US$178.20/EUR160.97/GBP143.75 at the time of
this listing) including postage and handling to anywhere in the world (but not,
of course, any import duties/taxes imposed by some countries).
If
you are interested in purchasing this proof-state lifetime impression executed
during the bubonic plague pandemic known
as “The Great Plague of Marseille”, please contact me
(oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make
the payment easy.
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