Search Results:

1808. Copper-line engraving with original hand-colouring. 180mm by 300mm (platemark) 480mm by 720mm (sheet). Depicts the contest between Apollo (laurel-crowned) and Marsyas (with flute) witnessed by Artemis and Athena. London, British Museum GR 1772.3-20.323. (BM Vases E 490). Ref: 'The Collection of Antiquites from the Cabinet of Sir William Hamilton', Taschen 2004, p472-473.This plate is from the scarce Florence edition of d'Hancarville's famous work on Sir William Hamilton's collection of antique vases - 'Antiquites Etrusques, Grecques et Romaines, tirees du Cabinet de M. William Hamilton.' It was first published in 1767, this edition is 1801-1808.Sir William Hamilton (1730-1803) was the British ambassador to the Court of the Two Sicilys. Living in Naples, he was in a perfect position to acquire the Greek, Roman, and Etruscan vases being unearthed around Naples. He was quick to understand the importance of the vases to the study of ancient art and history. His first collection of vases was sold… Read More