Posted 14 years ago
diner448
(5 items)
We found this wonderful item at a sale in Arkansas. Was part of an estate. What we have found out so far is, that it is from a Copper engraving done for prior to the original painting. Dated 1699 and the paper is very old (can tell by the edges and type of paper) It was obviously removed from another frame and put into the frame it is now in, can see the discoloration from old frame.
We are thrilled to have this!
I can't tell you much about the engraving but I have posted the link on the man in the picture. He was the architect and city planner to King Louis XIV.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/362754/Jules-Hardouin-Mansart
This other link is for a photo of him in which appears to be a younger version of the man in your photo.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cf/Hardouin-Mansart,_Jules.jpg/451px-Hardouin-Mansart,_Jules.jpg
Perhaps with more research you can trace the origin of your picture because he seems to be an important figure.
Thanks Melissa! I love to find out all I can about my treasure!
It would be easier to nail it down if we could see the print markings on the bottom of the print to the left and right
I added a couple more photos of the left and right. The left bottom corner reads: peint en 1699 par F Detroy
The bottom right reads: grave' par Simonneau laine 1700 de Sculpture
The center bottom reads: Mre. Jule hardeun Mansart Chevalier del'orde de S.t Michel Comte de Sagonne, Conseiller du Roy en ses Conseils, Surintend. t des Bastinmens desa Majeste de' lacademie Royalle de' Peinture et de Sculpture
There is an embossed seal pressed into the bottom center which reads: CHALOGRAPEIE DU LOUVRE (which is around the circle of the seal. In the center of the seal it reads: MUSEES NATIONAUN.
In the very far right corner of the paper is written 29/30
The image itself has raised feel to it not smooth, around the image the paper is pressed indented that you can see even on the back. The paper is very thick and old the edges are not cut but rigid (not straight, like it had been cut with cutting machine or scissors)
Hope that helps, I took it out of the frame to take the update last two photos but thought it best I type it out in case it is not clear in the photos. Can't wait to see what you think.
I'm going to go look around because this sounds sweet. 29/30 usually means the amount of prints made, and what number it is. You may have a huge treasure there. If there was only 30 there might not be many left, if any. In the mean time try this...
http://www.ha.com/common/about.php?target=1
Click on Tom Slater. He ia a gem. He can find someone that can tell you about this print. I know he will help you. Also if he tells you it's worth a mint, and you want to sell it, they are the place to go. They have a low commision, and wonderful people.
Thanks! I just knew it was special and had to have it, it was so unique! I am excited to find out more...
Let me know how it turns out!
Will do Vestaswind! I sent an email to Mr. Slater and attached photos and description, can't wait to hear what he has to say!
Did Tom ever anwer you?
No, he did not as yet. I emailed him right away and still waiting.
Oh well he is from the eastern part of the states, and they moved him out there. I'll bet he is on vacation :)
Thanks, I figured it was something like that. I can wait till he gets back...
I have the same thing...found at a yard sale. Put it in the closet...please let me know what you find out
Todd