Antique Copper Engraving, Mythological Relief, Early 18th Century

€ 490

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Mapmaker / artist: Bernard de Montfaucon, London, 1721
Technique: Copper engraving
Sheet size: 42.5 × 24.8 cm (16.7 × 9.8 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-14184-1-54

What the condition grades mean

Excellent: Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good: Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good: Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair: Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.

Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.

Condition

Light to moderate age toning, a visible plate mark, and a well-preserved impression showing some natural softness in the engraving lines typical of early impressions from large folio plates. Minor edge wear. Sold unframed.

About this sheet

Antique Mythological Scene – Montfaucon Antiquity Explained, London 1721
A powerful mythological engraving from Bernard de Montfaucon’s Antiquity Explained and Represented in Sculptures, Volume I, issued in London in 1721. The densely composed scene reflects Montfaucon’s method of recording ancient sculpture through engraved interpretation, capturing the monumentality and narrative complexity of classical reliefs.

This plate exemplifies the scholarly ambition of the project, which laid the foundations for modern classical archaeology and profoundly influenced 18th-century artists, architects, and collectors. The dramatic interaction of figures and the sculptural depth make this print particularly effective as a standalone wall piece.

Framing tips: Museum-style black or dark bronze frame with a wide mat.