About this sheet
Set of two original antique engravings depicting important monuments of ancient Athens: the Propylaea of the Acropolis and the Temple of Theseus, today generally known as the Temple of Hephaestus.
Both plates were engraved by Ambroise Tardieu for the atlas accompanying Jean-Jacques Barthélemy’s Voyage du jeune Anacharsis en Grèce.
The first plate, titled “Vue Perspective de la Façade des Propylées,” presents an impressive reconstructed perspective of the monumental entrance to the Acropolis of Athens. Classical figures provide scale to the architecture and enliven the scene. Below the view is a separate architectural ground plan titled “Plan des Propylées,” accompanied by Greek, French and metric scales.
The second plate is titled “Vue de la Façade du Temple de Thésée.” It depicts the celebrated Doric temple in Athens traditionally identified as the Theseion, but now generally recognized as the Temple of Hephaestus. Situated in the ancient Agora, it is one of the best-preserved Greek temples surviving from antiquity. Below the architectural view is a detailed ground plan, “Plan du Temple de Thésée,” again accompanied by several measurement scales.
Together, the two engravings form an attractive pair illustrating two of the most important surviving monuments of classical Athens. Their combination of picturesque architectural views and precise plans makes them particularly appealing for collectors of Greek architecture, archaeology and Grand Tour material.
Creator / Engraver: Ambroise Tardieu
Titles:
Vue Perspective de la Façade des Propylées / Plan des Propylées
Vue de la Façade du Temple de Thésée / Plan du Temple de Thésée
Publication: Paris
Date: 1825
Technique: Engravings on paper
Plates: Pl. 14 and Pl. 15
Subject: Propylaea of the Acropolis and Temple of Hephaestus, Athens, Greece
Number of works: 2
Condition:
Good antique condition with general age toning, scattered foxing and occasional small stains and marks. Old mounting or tape residue is visible along the upper margins. Some minor wear and irregularities along the sheet edges. The engraved images remain strong 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 two and unframed. Any framed or interior images shown are for presentation and inspiration only.
Keywords: Ancient Athens, Greek Architecture, Acropolis, Athens Acropolis, Propylaea, Propylées, Temple of Hephaestus, Temple of Theseus, Theseion, Greek Temple, Doric Architecture, Classical Architecture, Ancient Greece, Greek Archaeology, Grand Tour, Ambroise Tardieu, Architectural Engravings, Antique Prints, 1825, Set of Two.
