Les Métamorphoses d'Ovide gravées sur les dessens des meilleurs peintres français [2 vol.]

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Les Métamorphoses d'Ovide gravées sur les dessens des meilleurs peintres français [2 vol.]

Publisher Le Mire et Bassan, Paris, 1767-1770

Printer Le Mire et Bassan, Paris

Author Ovid (Roman, 43 BCE-18 CE)

Date1767-1770

Dimensionsbook: 9 5/8 x 7 1/4 in. (244 x 184mm)
page: 9 7/16 x 6 3/4 in. (240 x 171mm)
image: 8 5/8 x 5 1/2 in. (219 x 139mm)

MediumOriginal prints: 140 engravings in two volumes Text: engraved Paper: cream laid paper

ClassificationBooks

Credit LineMrs. George W. Stevens Fund

Object number

1986.9A-B

Not on View

Label TextThis publication, inspired by the classic Roman myths by Ovid, is the supreme anthology of French rococo book illustration. The publishers selected the artists from among the best French painters and saw to the realization or their designs by the most adroit engravers. Charles Eisen (1720-1778) designed 58 plates. The plates devoted to Hercules, Perseus, Jason, and Medea show Eisen's skill in narrative. Eisen's scene of Diana's dismissal of the pregnant Calisto from the chaste company of her nymphs is one of the most voluptuous designs. Francois Boucher (1703-1770) and J.M. Moreau (1741-18014) also contributed several attractive designs. P.-P. Choffard (1730-1809) designed 26 headpieces and three fleurons which captured some of the magic nature of the stories and enhanced the pages with a delightful sense of adornment.