Kaub, Gutenfels and Pfalz, Rhine, Antique Engraving after Roberts, circa 1835

About this sheet

An elaborate ornamental print of the Rhine at Kaub. A small landscape opens at the center of a great rococo cartouche of scrolls, shells, fruit and foliage. Through it the eye looks across the river to the walled town, with the castle of Gutenfels on the slopes above and the turreted island castle of the Pfalz standing in midstream, while boats with figures cross the calm water beneath the steep, misty hills.

Below the view two figures recline among reeds on the backs of great dolphins: a nude woman raising a shell and a river god pouring from his vessel, flanking an urn lettered "RHINE" from which water spills into a pool. At the top, water falls from a scallop shell lettered "THE", so the design spells out its subject.

Kaub is one of the most picturesque places on the Middle Rhine, overlooked by Gutenfels Castle and facing the Pfalzgrafenstein, the toll castle built on a rock island in the river. The sheet is lettered "KAUB, GUTENFELS & PFALZ." and carries three credits beneath the image: Roberts at lower left, "Landscape by Floyd" at the center and Topham at lower right.

This is a steel engraving, and the contrast between its two parts is part of its appeal: the landscape is engraved in soft, silvery tones, while the frame and figures are cut in a crisp, sculptural manner with strong highlights.

Small and decorative, it is well suited to a wall of Rhine views or to a guest room, set in a slim gilt frame.

Condition: Small loss or rounding to the bottom right corner. Clean, straight edges. Even age toning. A few small foxing spots in the margin. A few small light flecks in the printed area.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and inspiration only, unless the listing explicitly states that the item is sold framed.