Partial copy of a design for ewers from a plate in a set of nine unnumbered plates of designs for ewers, cups, salts, nefs etc, probably engraved by René Boyvin, French engraver of the sixteenth century. The plate shows two ewers, back to back, that facing to the left is decorated with the Birth of Venus, and that facing to the right bearing the Triumph of Neptune. There also exists a copy of that ewer by the same hand. The set of engravings is believed to be based on designs by Giovanni Battista Rosso or according to the latest studies, by his aid, Léonard Thiry (born active 1536- died 1550). An impression of the engraving from which these copies were made is also held in the V&A's Department of Prints and Drawings.
Physical description
Drawing showing a ewer decorated with pearls, jewels and strapwork. On the paunch, we can see the Birth of Venus. Copy by an unknown artist of a print by René Boyvin, after a drawing by Léonard Thiry or Rosso Fiorentino. 16th or 17th century.
Date
16th century-17th century (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (maker)
Boyvin, René, born 1520 (after, maker)
Materials and Techniques
Pen and wash on paper drawing
Dimensions
Height: 27.3 cm, Width: 14.1 cm
Historical context note
Partial copy of a design for ewers from a plate (Robert-Dumesnil, VIII, 171) in a set of nine unnumbered plates of designs for ewers, cups, salts, nefs etc (R.D., VIII, pp. 76-79, 171-179; Berlin, II, no. 1040), probably engraved by Rene Boyvin, French engraver of the sixteenth century. The plate shows two ewers, back to back, that facing to the left is decorated with the Birth of Venus, as depicted on D. 395-1887 and that facing to the right bearing the Triumph of Neptune. It also exists a copy of that ewer by the same hand (see D. 394-1887). The set of engravings described by Robert-Dumesnil is believed to be based on designs by Giovanni Battista Rosso or according to the latest studies, by his aid, Leonard Thiry (born active 1536- died 1550). For an impression of the engraving from which these copies were made, see E.1025-1908 in the Department of Prints and Drawings.
Descriptive line
Drawing of a design for a ewer depicting the Birth of Venus by an unknown artist. Copy of a print by René Boyvin, after a drawing by Léonard Thiry or Rosso Fiorentino. 16th or 17th century.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Robert-Dumesnil, A. P. F. Le peintre-graveur français, ou Catalogue raisonné des estampes gravées par les peintres et les dessinateurs de l'école française. Ouvrage faisant suite au Peintre-graveur de M. Bartsch. Par A.-P.-F. Robert-Dumesnil. Paris: G. Warée, 1835-71. 11 v. Vol. VIII, pp. 76-79, 171-179.
Berlin, II, no. 1040.
Production Note
Copy aftter a print by René Boyvin, whose original drawing was given by Thiry or Rosso. (Robert-Dumesnil, VIII, p. 76, no. 171.)
Materials
Paper; Ink
Techniques
Drawing (image-making); Wash technique
Subjects depicted
Metal-work; Designs; Ornament; Venus; Pearl; Mythology; Drawing (image-making); Gems; Ewers; Copy
Collection code
PDP
