Serene Vista of Messina and its Strait: An Engraved Jewel, circa 1800
€ 130
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1800
Sheet size
24.5 × 34 cm (9.6 × 13.4 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13661-4
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Good. Soiling due to handling and scattered minor browning due to age. Minor foxing and a water stain outside the image on lower left. Study the images carefully.
About this sheet
This evocative print titled "Vue de Messine & de Son Détroit" presents a picturesque view of Messina and its strait, a vital waterway separating Sicily from the Italian peninsula. The artwork, attributed to S. Birmann (indicated by 'pinx.' for 'pinxit,' meaning 'painted by'), captures the tranquil beauty of the region with a delicate touch and attention to the lush landscape.
The masterful engraving by Sutherland ('Sculp.' for 'sculpsit,' meaning 'engraved by') brings to life the serene ambiance of the strait, with its vibrant flora and the gentle interaction of the figures beneath the palm tree. The print's publication by J.F. d'Ostervald in Paris and Priestly and Weale in London reflects the artwork's international appeal and the cross-cultural appreciation of Mediterranean vistas during the period.
The finely executed hand-coloring of the print suggests it was created for an audience with a taste for high-quality depictions of notable European locales. The precise date of publication is not provided, but the style and method of distribution hint at a creation date in the late 18th or early 19th century. This print would have been a treasured keepsake for Grand Tour travelers or a prized decorative piece for connoisseurs of European landscapes.
The measurements are including the margins, not the image only.
