Sir William Hamilton (1730 - 1803)
Sir William Hamilton (1730 - 1803)
Sir William Hamilton (1730 - 1803)
Pierre-Francois Hugues d’Hancarville
”Bearded Hermes w/ Erect Phallus”
Colored Etching
Original Circa 1766
Up for sale is an incredibly beautiful and rare 18th century engraving/etching from the collection of Sir William Hamilton (1730 - 1803). Hamilton had a collection of the worlds finest Green and Roman vases and sold them to the British Museum in 1772. Before moving them to the museums collection he wanted to document all the works on the vases in these etchings and engravings hiring Pierre-Francois Hugues d'Hancarville to do the job. The resulting catalog, published in four volumes and known as Les Antiquités d'Hancarville, represents a neoclassical masterpiece. Never before had ancient vases been represented with such meticulous detail and sublime beauty.
This original etching depicts a bearded Hermes seated with an erect phallus in fine original condition resting in a fabulous two tone gold and black wood frame. This etching measures 6.5 x 7.25 while the frame measures 13 x 14 inches. The images provided accurately represent the quality, condition and aesthetic beauty of this fine antique etching but if you have any questions please feel free to ask prior to purchasing!
This is one of three etchings I currently have available from this series so if interested take a look at my store or send me a message for a link.