Antique Aquatint Print of Hamilton’s Grecian Vase Depicting Morpheus
Hand-colored engraving by Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein, depicting antique vases from Sir William Hamilton’s collection. This is plate 28, Vol. III.
The complete title of the work: “Collection Of Engravings From Ancient Vases Of Greek Workmanship: Discoverd In Sepulchres In The Kingdom Of The Two Sicilies But Chiefly In The Neighbourhood Of Naples During The Course Of The Years MDCCLXXXIX and MDCCLXXXX Now In The Possession Of Sir Wm. Hamilton, His Britannic Maiesty’s Envoy Extry. And Plenipotentiary At The Court Of Naples.”
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This plate depicts the god of sleep, who was enamored with the youngest of the Graces, but she did not reciprocate his feelings. However, Juno promised to fulfill his desires if he could make Jupiter sleep longer than usual, which would allow Neptune to aid the Greeks in battle. The god of sleep agreed to the terms, and this plate shows him approaching the object of his affection, only to be rebuffed by the Graces. He stops the one he desires and informs her of Juno’s promise.
In this artwork, there are only two Graces depicted, as was customary in ancient times. The Athenians and Lacedemonians originally did not allow for more, but eventually, their number was increased to three. The Graces are clothed in accordance with ancient tradition, which Pausanias noted in his observations that painters and sculptors should not depict them naked, as it was not customary in ancient monuments.
Sleep is portrayed as a young man, as there were two depictions of Morpheus in ancient times, one being an old man with gray hair and the other a youthful, energetic man. Fillets were often included in marriage ceremonies, and Morpheus dons one in this plate to display his confidence in the success of his mission. This ornament was also a symbol of power, which may be why Juno refers to him as the sovereign of gods and men.
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Artist: Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein
Technique: Hand-colored aquatint engraving
Year: [1791]
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Dimensions: 48 x 36 (plate); 34,5 x 26 cm (print)
Condition: Uncut, light staining around the edges, in excellent condition overall.
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Note: This item will be shipped in a cardboard tube.
