Copper engraving ‘Venus, the Three Graces and Cupid Mourning the Death of Adonis’ by Etienne Delaune (1518/19 - 1583 Paris), after a composition by Luca Penni. c1569, Robert Dumesnil 102.

The lower sections depicts Adonis as he lays dying in a forest landscape, his hunting spear and horn at his side, the wild boar that gored him fleeing from the left side of the scene. Above, separated by a horizontal line of rolling clouds, are three groups mourning the scene from the heavens: on the left are the three graces, their hands wrung in despair; at center is Venus, tearing at her hair in anguish; and on the right is Cupid, breaking his arrows in frustration.

‘L PEN INV’ in the upper right. Signed and dated lower center ‘STE F 1569’.

Trimmed just outside the plate mark with a small border. A nice clear impression, a bit on the lighter side.

Excellent condition overall. Some light browning. Annotations in pencil on the reverse.

Presented attached at the top edge by 2 rice paper hinges (so verso can be inspected) to an acid-free mounting board.

I love this complex engraving – it includes so much subject matter in a miniature print. Finely detailed.

Dimensions:
Height: 39 mm
Width: 55 mm