About this sheet
Original Antique Print of Ancient Greek and Roman Lyres by Bertuch, 1802
Original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting ten different forms of ancient lyres, citharas and related stringed instruments from classical antiquity, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” in Weimar in the early 19th century.
The plate is titled “Alterthümer XI / Antiquités XI” and presents ten individually numbered instruments based on ancient Greek and Roman examples.
The instruments demonstrate the remarkable variety of forms associated with the lyre and cithara in the ancient world. Some are relatively simple constructions, while others have elaborately curved arms, ornamental scrollwork, animal-inspired supports and decorative elements. Particularly striking is Fig. 10, an elegant lyre terminating in a circular medallion decorated with a classical face.
Stringed instruments such as the lyre and cithara played an important role in ancient Greek and Roman culture and were closely associated with poetry, education, religious ceremonies and mythology. The lyre became particularly associated with Apollo, the Greek god of music and poetry.
The instruments are finely engraved and enhanced with attractive original hand coloring in shades of ochre, gold, brown, red and gray.
The engraving bears the signature “J. H. Schmuzer” at the bottom.
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822) was a German publisher, writer and patron of the arts. His monumental “Bilderbuch für Kinder” (Picture Book for Children) was one of the great illustrated educational encyclopedias of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Published in Weimar from 1790 onward, it contained hundreds of engraved and hand-colored plates covering natural history, geography, science, technology, mythology, antiquity and costumes.
A highly decorative antique print particularly appealing to collectors of music, classical antiquity, ancient Greece and Neoclassical design.
Creator:
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)
Source:
Bilderbuch für Kinder
Plate:
Alterthümer XI / Antiquités XI
Place of Publication:
Weimar, Germany
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1800
Period:
Early 19th Century
Style:
Neoclassical – In the Period of
Medium:
Original hand-colored copper engraving on paper
Condition:
Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Light age-related toning and occasional minor spotting. Some marginal wear and small edge imperfections. Original hand coloring remains attractive. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition.
Please note:
This is an original antique print from circa 1800, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.
