It is one of a set of two hundred views, making up three volumes once complete. They are titled 'Liber Veritatis' (Book of Truth) so called as they were intended to provide a definitive catalogue to the genuine drawings of Claude Le Lorrain. The late eighteenth century was a time when interest in landscapes was growing immensely as more people were able to travel and the hunt for the 'picturesque' became something of a national obsession. The Liber Veritatis was a huge success, later influencing JMW Turner to create his 'Liber Studiorum'.
This is view number 196, depicting a Roman soldier leading a horse, meeting a family in a classical landscape. After a picture titled 'Erminia Visiting the Old Shepherd'. From the third volume of the series, whilst the first two were after drawings in the Duke of Devonshire's collection, the third volume, added later, featured works from other sources. It is etched in the style of a drawing and printed in a warm brown colour to further increase the resemblance.
Below the image is printed 'Pub'd May 1st, 1777, by Boydell & Co, No 90, Cheapside, London'. The plate was made in 1777 but I think it was actually published in 1819 which is when the third volume was added.
In excellent condition. Well presented in a coloured card mount with hand painting edging, within a gilt wood frame. Both mount and frame are in good, but not new, condition.
Glazed and ready to hang.
The plate size is 18 x 23cm, including the frame the picture is 40 x 45cm.
Postage £8 in the UK, £28 to mainland Europe and £44 to the USA. For other destinations please contact me for a postage quote.
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