About this sheet
Set of four original antique engravings illustrating the clothing, military equipment, musical instruments, furniture, jewelry and everyday objects of the ancient Greeks.
Published in Paris in 1825 for the atlas accompanying Jean-Jacques Barthélemy’s celebrated Voyage du jeune Anacharsis en Grèce, the four plates form a fascinating visual survey of ancient Greek dress, warfare and material culture.
The set comprises:
1. Costumes civils et militaires des Grecs – Plate 40
A detailed study of 23 figures representing different forms of ancient Greek civilian and military dress. The plate includes warriors carrying shields, spears and other weapons alongside archers, musicians, women in flowing classical garments, a horseman and figures engaged in various activities.
2. Costumes civils et militaires des Grecs – Plate 41
The companion costume plate continues the series with additional figures and details. It includes warriors, a four-horse chariot, musicians and other figures, together with particularly interesting studies of ancient helmets, hairstyles, headdresses and footwear.
3. Instrumens de musique, armes et meubles des Grecs – Plate 42
An extensive collection of objects associated with ancient Greek daily and ceremonial life. The plate illustrates musical instruments including lyres and other stringed instruments, weapons, shields, spears, furniture, beds, tables, vessels, decorative architectural objects, horse equipment and a chariot.
4. Bijoux et ustensiles des Grecs – Plate 43
A particularly decorative plate devoted to ancient Greek jewelry and household objects. The numerous individually numbered designs include necklaces, bracelets, pins, hair ornaments, earrings and other personal adornments alongside lamps, vessels, cups, amphorae, stands and domestic utensils.
Together, these four engravings offer an unusually broad visual record of how ancient Greek life and material culture were interpreted in the early 19th century. The delicate linear engraving and large number of individual objects make the set both historically interesting and highly decorative.
The four matching plates form a cohesive group and would display particularly well framed individually in a two-by-two arrangement.
Publication: Paris
Plates: Pl. 40, 41, 42 and 43
Subjects: Ancient Greek costume, military dress, weapons, musical instruments, furniture, jewelry and household objects
Number of works: 4
Fair antique condition with general age toning, scattered foxing, staining and occasional marks consistent with age. Foxing and discoloration vary between the sheets and are more pronounced on some plates, particularly Plate 43. Old mounting or binding-related traces and discoloration are visible along some margins. The engraved illustrations remain clear and detailed. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.
Original antique engravings. Not modern reproductions.
Sold as a set of four and unframed. Any framed or interior images shown are for presentation and inspiration only.
