| Method | Stipple engraving |
| Artist | Francesco Bartolozzi after Thomas Stothard |
| Published | [c.1822] |
| Dimensions | Image 331 x 253 mm, Sheet 471 x 310 mm |
| Notes |
Inscription reads: 'Side-long as they sat recline On the soft downy bank damask'd with flowers. Paradise Lost Book IV.' An illustrative plate of Adam and Eve, originally engraved for Jeffryes & Co.'s publication of Milton's Paradise Lost (1792-3). Bartolozzi's Milton plates were reprinted a number of times in the early 19th century. In 1815, they were reprinted as an illustrative set by John Hill, and in 1818, were combined with Bartolozzi's Shakespeare plates by H. M'Lean to 'form an elegant library accompaniment to the various editions of these authors' (De Vesme & Calabi, 1928: 438). The original publication line, for Jeffryes & Co, has been removed from the current printing. In the illustration, Adam and Eve share a tender embrace, framed by the peace and tranquility of Eden. The bank on which they sit is garlanded by flowers, a variety of birds alight in trees and by the water, and a rabbit rests at Eve's foot. Although the viewer is presented with a picture of serenity, this scene is described in the poem through the malevolent eyes of Satan, who spies upon God's newest creations from his place atop the Tree of Knowledge, disguised as a great cormorant. Thomas Stothard (17th August 1755 - 27th April 1834) was an English painter, illustrator, and engraver, best known for his illustrations to poetic work. He is particularly noted for his illustrations to the poems of Ossian, purported to be the author of an epic cycle published by James Macpherson and commonly hailed as a progenitor of the British Romantic movement. Francesco Bartolozzi (21st September 1727 - 7th March 1815) was an Italian engraver, best known for his engravings for Boydell's Shakespeare Gallery, and those after Angelica Kauffman and Cipriani. Working initially on landscape and architectural engravings in Venice and Rome, in 1764 he moved to London, which began his most prolific period. Condition: Gilt-edged sheet, paper watermarked '1822', marks to inscription space, tears to left margin not affecting image. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £90.00 |
| Stock ID | 36310 |