STEEL ENGRAVING – “CUPID AND PSYCHE” from the bas-relief sculpture by John Gibson, engraved by W. Roffe, published in 1878.  This engraving is in very good condition.  The engraving measures 6 ½” x 9 3/8”, and is matted to 11” x 14” for easy framing.

    Among the few English sculptors who achieved fame by closely following classic models, was John Gibson.  The Greek ideal was constantly before him, and in nearly all his works its influence is distinctly visible.  This fact has been frequently urged as an objection against him; but while the critics disputed his standing as an artist, the public found only cause for admiration in his works.  In the “Cupid and Psyche” the story as told by Apuleius has been followed.  Psyche by her beauty had excited the jealousy and hatred of Venus, who sent cupid to inspire her with a love for the most contemptible of men, but Cupid was so smitten by her beauty, that he fell in love with her himself.  He carried Psyche away and visited her secretly, until the lady’s curiosity outgrew her discretion, and she committed a fault, which ultimately brought her into the power of Venus.

   The arrangement of the two figures is most harmonious in the disposition of the lines.  The figures of Psyche is exquisitely graceful in pose, and beautifully modeled; while the high relief of the entire group favor the idea that the work is executed in the round, rather than on a flat surface.  The work was in the collection of Queen Victoria, in the 1800’s.

   John Gibson was born in Wales in 1791.  He went to Rome during early manhood to become a pupil of Canova, and subsequently spent most of his time in that city until his death, which occurred in 1866.  He executed several commissions of Queen Victoria, and others for the British nation.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

Antique prints, etchings, engravings, and lithographs are printing processes, which use steel, copper, stone or wood blocks or plates to produce a picture on paper.

Most antique prints and engravings, which are seen on the internet today, are bookplates.  Because they are pages from a book, there are multiple copies in existence.  This does not, however, mean that they are "reproductions" that have been printed recently.  Because they were, at some point, part of books, some have been preserved in excellent condition, while others show signs of age, as yellow spots or darkness on the edge of the page from being handled.

Engravings, and lithographs are high quality pieces of art, as it took a highly trained artist many hours of work to produce one.  Although there may be multiple copies still in existence, the date of the item should be stated, thus giving the buyer an idea of its age.

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