Description
Chariot with Seated Sphinx drawn by Six Horses-A. Giraudafter J. Moreau- 1790s Panoramic Etching
An original large-format French etching by Antoine CosmeGiraud (1760–1815), executed after a design by Jean-Michel Moreau le Jeune(1741–1814). Printed in black ink on laid paper, the panoramic compositiondepicts an elaborate ceremonial procession in an imagined landscape ofantiquity. At the center, a chariot drawn by six horses carries a seated wingedsphinx, surrounded by soldiers, mounted figures, attendants, priests,spectators, animals, and hundreds of individually rendered figures.
The plate was produced for François-Henri-Stanislas deL’Aulnaye’s Histoire générale et particulière des religions et du culte de tousles peuples du monde, tant anciens que modernes, an ambitious illustratedhistory of religious customs published by J.-B. Fournier le jeune. The work isinscribed in the plate “J.M. Moreau le J.ne inv. et del.” at the lower left,“l’an 2 de la R.” at the bottom center, and “A.C. Giraud le J.ne aqua forti” atthe lower right. The central inscription refers to Year II of the FrenchRepublic, corresponding to 1793–1794. Another impression of this composition isheld by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Jean-Michel Moreau le Jeune was among the leading Frenchdraftsmen, illustrators, and printmakers of the late eighteenth century.Antoine Cosme Giraud was a Paris-born French engraver and illustrator activeduring the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. He produced bookillustrations, historical scenes, and reproductive prints after importantdesigners including Moreau le Jeune.
The etching is in fair antique condition. The impressionis light and somewhat faint, with overall age-related toning and discoloration,scattered foxing, surface marks, and handling wear. The left margin has beentrimmed to the image, and the remaining margins are reduced. A prominentcentral vertical fold runs through the sheet, with additional creases and foldmarks visible. A dark ink stain appears near the upper center-right edge, withsmaller stains and spots elsewhere. Old pencil ruling lines and notations arevisible on the reverse. The sheet exhibits uneven and worn edges. Unframed.Please refer to the pictures for condition.
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Details
• Medium: Etching in black ink on laid paper
• Printmaker: Antoine Cosme Giraud (1760–1815)
• Designer: After Jean-Michel Moreau le Jeune (1741–1814)
• Author: François-Henri-Stanislas de L’Aulnaye(1739–1830)
• Publisher: J. B. Fournier le jeune et fils
• Title: Procession in a Landscape Depicting a Chariotwith a Seated Sphinx Drawn by Six Horses
• Series: Histoire générale et particulière des religionset du culte de tous les peuples du monde, tant anciens que modernes
• Date: 1794
• Inscription: “J.M. Moreau le J.ne inv. et del.” atlower left/ “l’an 2 de la R.” at bottom center/ “A.C. Giraud le J.ne aqua forti” at lower right
• Framing: Unframed
• Dimensions:
– Sheet: 23 x 9in
• Condition Report: Fair antique condition; faintimpression; overall toning and discoloration; scattered foxing, stains, surfacemarks, and handling wear; left margin trimmed; reduced remaining margins;prominent central vertical fold and additional creases; dark ink stain nearupper center-right edge; pencil ruling lines and notations on reverse; unevenand worn sheet edges; unframed
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Disclaimer
I have conducted thorough research to ensure the accuracyand authenticity of this work to the best of my ability. However, it is sold asis, with no guarantees or warranties regarding its provenance or historicalattribution.
