Antique Hand-Colored Engraving
2012-0792
(Click the Item No. for an inquiry)33 x 40.5
Location : Baton Rouge
Johann Wolfgang Baumgartner (1712 1761) created this magnificent engraving that was hand-colored to perfection in the middle of the 18th century. It is a seminal work, with abundant symbolism that is his trademark. Born in Tirol, he first established himself in Augsburg around 1733, and was influenced by such notables as Boucher and Watteau. His works are exhibited in the Louvre, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other museums throughout the world.
This particular Capriccio, or architectural fantasy, was translated from the original by Thelott (1708-1760) using the "copper pass" engraving method, and is entitled The Glorification of Summer. We see the an angel taking center stage amongst rampant rocaillian flourishes and a landscape full of fantasy. In her hands is the Old Testament, with a divine light cast down onto the earth. The concepts of the harvest, literature, science, and nature include multiple depictions of Saint Jerome with remarkable attention to detail and bible scripture references interspersed amongst the flourishes, influenced by the fact that this was produced during the height of the Rococo Period which emphasized lush foliate and especially acanthus plumeage as a backdrop for naturalistic themes.
Circa 1750
