About this sheet
This elegant pair of original antique copperplate engravings reproduces sections of the celebrated fresco decorations by the Italian Mannerist master Francesco Primaticcio (1504–1570) in the Salle de Festin (Banquet Hall) of the Château de Fontainebleau. Richly populated with mythological figures, allegorical scenes, and elaborate ornamental compositions, the engravings capture the grandeur of one of France's most influential Renaissance decorative interiors.
The two plates depict complementary sections of the fresco cycle from opposite sides of the hall, identified respectively as Côté de la Cour (Courtyard Side) and Côté des Jardins (Garden Side). Together they form an attractive and historically important decorative set, ideal for display as a pair.
The engravings were produced by the distinguished French architect and engraver Louis-Pierre Baltard (1764–1846) and published in Paris in 1803 as part of the monumental work Paris et ses Monuments, mesurés, dessinés et gravés. This celebrated Napoleonic-era publication documented France's most important architectural monuments with exceptional artistic quality and architectural accuracy.
Printed from finely engraved copperplates, these works combine Renaissance decorative art with early nineteenth-century French printmaking at its finest. They make an outstanding addition to collections of French architectural prints, Renaissance ornament, Fontainebleau School art, or Grand Tour material.
These are original antique engravings printed in 1803 and not later reproductions. They are offered unframed. Any framed images shown are for presentation purposes only.
Year:
1803
Maker:
Louis-Pierre Baltard (1764–1846)
After:
Francesco Primaticcio (1504–1570)
Publisher:
Paris
Origin:
France
Technique:
Original copperplate engravings on laid paper
Condition:
Good antique condition with age-related toning, scattered foxing, and light wear consistent with age. Please examine the photographs carefully.
Materials:
Paper, black ink
Style:
French Renaissance Revival, Mannerist, Neoclassical
Subjects:
Primaticcio frescoes, Château de Fontainebleau, Salle de Festin, Renaissance ornament, mythological decoration
Keywords:
Louis-Pierre Baltard, Francesco Primaticcio, Fontainebleau, Château de Fontainebleau, Salle de Festin, French engraving, copperplate engraving, antique print, Renaissance ornament, Mannerism, Fontainebleau School, mythological figures, architectural engraving, decorative arts, French architecture, Paris et ses Monuments, 1803, original antique print, set of two engravings, French decor
