Hamilton Greek Vase - Banquet Scene
Copper-line engraving with original hand-colouring. 1801-1808. 315mm by 430mm (platemark) 460mm by 710mm (sheet). This plate is from the scarce Florence edition of d'Hancarville's famous work on Sir William Hamilton's collection of antique vases - 'Antiquites Etrusques, Grecques et Romaines, tirees du Cabinet de M. William Hamilton.' It was first published in 1767, this edition is 1801-1808.
Sir William Hamilton (1730-1803) was the British ambassador to the Court of the Two Sicilys. Living in Naples, he was in a perfect position to acquire the Greek, Roman, and Etruscan vases being unearthed around Naples. He was quick to understand the importance of the vases to the study of ancient art and history. His first collection of vases was sold to the British Museum in 1772. Ref: 'The Collection of Antiquites from the Cabinet of Sir William Hamilton', Taschen 2004, p272-273.Central vertical fold as issued.Scattered foxing and light soiling in margins." Item #865
Price: $1,450.00