A young woman wearing a crown is dressed by three maids, one of whom prepares to adorn her with a necklace; she is watched by a seated man on the left. Stipple engraving, 17--.

Date:
[between 1700 and 1799]
Reference:
3039104i
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About this work

Description

The toilet of a princess, possibly set in ancient Greece, Rome, or Egypt? The elaborate furnishings are Graeco-Roman, Etruscan or Egyptian. In the centre, an incense burner gives off clouds of smoke. Above is a frieze of torchères linked by swags of roses. Right, a doorway with a winged Egyptian motif carved on the lintel. One of the maids ties the woman's sandals, another arranges her veil, the third (a matron wearing distinctive headwear) takes a necklace from a box. Possibly connected with the story of Eriphyle? Eliezer and Rebekah? The man seated in a curved chair on the left makes an expressive gesture extending the fingers of his left hand: he provides a "male gaze"

Publication/Creation

[between 1700 and 1799]

Physical description

1 print : stipple engraving, with etching ; image approximately 18.2 x 26.8 cm

Creator/production credits

Seems to be designed by an artist in the circle of Joseph-Marie Vien

Reference

Wellcome Collection 3039104i

Notes

Catalogued from an impression lacking lettering

Type/Technique

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores

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