About this sheet
Original antique engraved plate depicting a collection of ancient Greek coins and medals, published for the atlas accompanying Jean-Jacques Barthélemy’s celebrated Voyage du jeune Anacharsis en Grèce.
Titled “Médailles Grecques tirées du Cabinet Royal,” the plate illustrates eleven groups of Greek coins selected from the French Royal Cabinet, presenting both obverse and reverse designs.
The finely engraved examples display an appealing variety of classical imagery, including profile portraits and helmeted heads, seated and standing deities, temples, animals and Greek inscriptions. Several coins feature the owl of Athena, one of the most recognizable symbols of ancient Athens and a celebrated motif on Athenian coinage.
Other designs include a dolphin, architectural and religious subjects, mythological figures and intricately rendered portrait heads. The different sizes of the coins are carefully represented, creating an attractive numismatic study as well as a decorative work of classical scholarship.
The plate was engraved by Pierre-Antoine Tardieu, after drawings by A. Saint-Aubin, as indicated in the engraved credit beneath the composition.
An especially appealing print for collectors interested in ancient Greek coins, numismatics, classical archaeology and Greek mythology.
Engraver: Pierre-Antoine Tardieu
After: A. Saint-Aubin
Title: Médailles Grecques tirées du Cabinet Royal
Publication: Paris
Date: 1825
Technique: Engraving on paper
Plate: Pl. 39
Subject: Ancient Greek coins and medals
Condition:
Good antique condition with general age toning, scattered foxing and occasional small stains and marks. A more noticeable brown spot is present towards the lower part of the sheet. Old mounting or tape residue is visible along the upper margin, with some discoloration along the outer edges. The engraved coin designs remain strong, clear and highly detailed. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.
Original antique engraving. Not a modern reproduction.
Sold unframed. Any framed or interior images shown are for presentation and inspiration only.
Keywords: Ancient Greek Coins, Greek Medals, Numismatics, Greek Coinage, Athenian Coins, Owl of Athena, Athena, Ancient Athens, Greek Mythology, Classical Greece, Greek Antiquities, Archaeology, Cabinet Royal, Pierre Antoine Tardieu, Saint-Aubin, Antique Engraving, Numismatic Print, Classical Antiquity, 1825.
