About this sheet
Original Antique Print of Ancient Greek and Roman Musical Instruments by Bertuch, 1802
Original antique hand-colored copper engraving illustrating a remarkable collection of musical instruments from classical antiquity, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” in Weimar around the beginning of the 19th century.
The plate is titled “Alterthümer X / Antiquités X” and presents thirteen different ancient musical instruments. Among them are various forms of drums and tambourines, a triangle, harp, flutes and pipes, panpipes, cymbals and other wind and percussion instruments.
Particularly attractive is the variety of forms represented, ranging from simple pipes and percussion instruments to more elaborate ceremonial instruments. The plate provides an intriguing visual record of how ancient Greek and Roman music and musical instruments were understood by European scholars around 1800.
The individual instruments are delicately engraved and enhanced with original hand coloring in gold, ochre, pink, gray and brown.
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, the work contained hundreds of engraved and hand-colored plates covering natural history, geography, science, technology, mythology, antiquity and costumes.
An unusual and highly decorative antique print, particularly appealing to collectors of music, musical instruments, classical antiquity and early scientific illustration.
Creator:
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)
Source:
Bilderbuch für Kinder
Plate:
Alterthümer X / Antiquités X
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
Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Light age-related toning and occasional spotting. Some marginal wear and a small loss/irregularity at the lower right edge. 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.
