The iconic Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge located in southern France. Era: Circa 1840s–1850s. The bottom-left margin attributes the original drawing layout to Guesdon (Guesdon del.), and the bottom-right text attributes the plate engraving work to Skelton (Skelton sc.). This specific print is hand-tinted with selective watercolor washes on the foreground landscape and figures, which was a popular method to enhance monochrome steel engravings during the mid-to-late 1800s. The artwork captures the dramatic scale of the bridge crossing the Gardon River valley. Built in the 1st century AD, the aqueduct originally supplied water to the Roman colony of Nîmes. This perspective emphasizes both the natural ruggedness of the landscape and the architectural prowess of Roman engineering, which heavily inspired Romantic-era travelers and artists. The signature "Skelton, sc." indicates that the plate was engraved by the British artist Joseph John Skelton. "sc." is an abbreviation for the Latin word sculpsit.It translates directly to "he/she carved it" or "engraved it." In 19th-century printmaking typography, this credit formula specifically identified the precise craftsman who hand-cut, etched, or engraved the visual lines directly onto the metal printing plate. The marking "T. III" stands for Tome III (Volume 3).  This notation is a "plate volume indicator" used by 19th-century publishers and bookbinders. It served as a placement guide to ensure that this specific loose illustration plate was bound into the correct section of a multi-volume book set. It indicates that this plate illustration material was published in the third volume of a prominent historical travel compilation, specifically Vues des principales Villes, Monuments, Châteaux etc. (published in Paris around 1851–1852).

Piece Measures 10.5 in x 8 in tall

Viewable 16.5 cm wide x 11 cm tall

Envelope/ matting Measures 19.5 in wide x 12.75” tall

Shipsground service same day from southern California. This piece will be laid flat and protected for shipping. Shipping includes additional insurance and "sign for at delivery".

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