17th C. Copperplate Engraving of "The Child of Wealth and Power"

Estimate: $1250-$1400

Description: Exquisite late 17th century copper plate engraving illustrating the bronze statue of a Child seated on the mythical 3-headed dog Cerberus as seen in the water gardens of the palace of Versailles.

Enfant de bronze representant le Genie des Richesses, assis sus Cerbere qui pousse en l'air un gross jet de l'eau. 

"Bronze child represents the power and genius of wealth sitting over the Hound of Hell, Cerberus from who a jet of water is shot into the air."

This monochrome engraving is on animal hide parchment and shows both the plate ring and false plate ring clearly. This engraving by Jean Le Paultre is from a set of prints depicting details of the some of the numerous fountains and sculptures executed for Louis XIV's gardens at Versailles made by prominent French sculptors of the 17th century.

Dimensions: Skin measures  23" x 17.5", plus matte and frame.

Condition: Generally very good with usual light overall toning, light scattered soiling, and wear to edges. Few stray printers marks and minor abrasions. Some scattered creases in margins. See photos

Bio: Jean Lepautre (or Le Paultre) was a prolific French designer and engraver based in his native Pairs, and elected a member of the Academy in 1667.  While he produced plates of portraits and religious subjects, he excelled at architectural subjects, producing some 1,500 etchings and engravings of architectural decorations, friezes, ceilings, vases and all types of ornaments.  Most of them were executed after his own drawings which exhibited a personal flair and imagination.  His depictions of the gardens and ornaments of Versailles helped popularize the Louis XIV style in Europe.