Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level D , Case EO, Shelf 144

Designs for the Earl of Ranelagh

Print
1694
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This plate shows a dedicatory inscription by Charles de Moelder, a highly esteemed ornamental engraver of the late seventeenth century. The dedication is addressed to Richard Jones, the Earl and Viscount of Ranelagh, who, at the time of the dedication, was at the height of his career. Along with his hereditary title, he was a member of the House of Commons and Paymaster General of the Forces. Throughout his career the Viscount was a lover of the arts, and these engravings of de Moelder were doubtless a fine addition to his collection. Nine years after the dedication of de Moelder’s book, the Viscount was dismissed from both his positions after it was discovered that he had stolen upwards of £900,000 from the crown. In the engraving, the naturalistic and architectural are cleverly combined to produce an effect of elegant and sophisticated design. The resultant effect from the combination of these two elements is similar to that found in Rome’s Trevi Fountain, built a few years after this print was published.


Object details

Category
Object type
TitleDesigns for the Earl of Ranelagh (series title)
Materials and techniques
engraving
Brief description
Charles de Moelder (after), dedicatory plate from a set of designs dedicated to the Earl of Ranelagh. British, 1694.
Physical description
Large ornamental border containing a dedicatory inscription. On the left side, a structured frame with putti hanging on to vines, and one putti on the top of the frame holding out a vine. On the right side, a organic frame of acanthus leaves as though swept over the original froame. The two sides meet in a symterical arabesque in the centre. The dedication also includes the coat of arms of the Earl of Ranelagh.
Dimensions
  • Height: 42.5cm
  • Width: 28cm
Marks and inscriptions
"To the Rt. Honble Richard, Earl & Viscount of Raelagh, Baron of navan. Pay master Genll. of their majesties forces and one of the Lords of their majesties most Hon.ble Privy Councill. My Lord, In consideration of your Lordships Goodnesse, and universal knowledge, I most humbly presume to prostrate, this poor work, at your Hon.rs feet for protection ost humbly Praying your Lordship, that you would be pleased to Pardon my ignorant boldness, in making this mean dedication. And must assure myself, that your Lordshis, most kind Reception, & patronage will intitle me to ye hopes of serving your Honrs Commands in ye quality of Your Lordships most humblest and obedient Servent. C. De Moelder in. fecit. Ano 1694."
Object history
This plate is associated with V&A inventory number E. 1062-1899.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This plate shows a dedicatory inscription by Charles de Moelder, a highly esteemed ornamental engraver of the late seventeenth century. The dedication is addressed to Richard Jones, the Earl and Viscount of Ranelagh, who, at the time of the dedication, was at the height of his career. Along with his hereditary title, he was a member of the House of Commons and Paymaster General of the Forces. Throughout his career the Viscount was a lover of the arts, and these engravings of de Moelder were doubtless a fine addition to his collection. Nine years after the dedication of de Moelder’s book, the Viscount was dismissed from both his positions after it was discovered that he had stolen upwards of £900,000 from the crown. In the engraving, the naturalistic and architectural are cleverly combined to produce an effect of elegant and sophisticated design. The resultant effect from the combination of these two elements is similar to that found in Rome’s Trevi Fountain, built a few years after this print was published.
Bibliographic reference
Fuhring, Peter, and Jennifer Kilian. Ornament prints in the Rijksmuseum II, Pt. 1. The, seventeenth century / Peter Fuhring. Ornament Prints in the Rijksmuseum. Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum, 2004.
Collection
Accession number
E.1061-1899

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJune 30, 2009
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest