About this sheet
Original Antique Print of an Ancient Theatre and Archaeological Excavation by Bertuch, c. 1800
Original antique copper engraving illustrating the excavation and reconstruction of an ancient classical theater, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” around the beginning of the 19th century.
The plate is titled “Verm. Gegenst. XXXV / Mélanges XXXV” and contains two fascinating illustrations relating to archaeology and ancient architecture.
Fig. 1 presents an archaeological excavation in progress. Workers and visitors are shown among exposed ruins and architectural fragments, with large carved stone elements, vessels and other antiquities in the foreground. The scene provides a fascinating early representation of the European discovery and investigation of the remains of the ancient world.
Fig. 2 presents a detailed architectural cross-section of a classical theater, clearly showing the steeply tiered seating, internal passages, entrances and upper architectural structure.
Together, the two images reflect the intense European fascination with archaeological discoveries during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when excavations of Greek and Roman sites had a profound influence on scholarship, architecture and the development of Neoclassical taste.
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 period. Published in Weimar from 1790 onward, it contained hundreds of engraved and hand-colored plates covering natural history, geography, science, technology, architecture, antiquity and numerous other subjects.
An unusual early archaeological print with particular appeal for collectors of classical architecture, archaeology and Grand Tour imagery.
Creator:
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)
Source:
Bilderbuch für Kinder
Plate:
Vermischte Gegenstände XXXV / Mélanges XXXV
Place of Publication:
Weimar, Germany
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1800
Period:
Early 19th Century
Style:
Neoclassical – In the Period of
Medium:
Copper engraving on paper
Condition:
Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Light age-related toning, scattered minor spotting and occasional handling marks. Minor marginal wear. Engraved impressions remain strong and well defined. 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.
