Rare 18th century engraving - CLAUDIUS IN SALMASIA (Claude Saumaise) - Matham/Dubordieu
Splendid and authentic copper engraving (etching and burin) from the mid-19th century 18th century, depicting the famous French humanist and philologist Claude Saumaise (Latinized in Claudius to Salmasia, 1588–1653).
The portrait is of the highest executive quality, characterized by dense and precise hatching which gives great depth to the gaze and realism to the rendering of the fabrics and hair.
Subject: Portrait of Claudius in Salmasia.
Era: 18th century (circa 1750).
Technique: Copper engraving (etching/burin) on vintage laid paper.
Authors reported in the plate:
P. Dubordieu pinxit: Taken from the original painting by Pieter Dubordieu.
T. Matham sculp.: Originally engraved by Theodor Matham (this version is a valuable eighteenth-century derivation).
Registrations: The motto above "REGVM ÆQVABAT OPES ANIMIS". Below is the name of the subject "CLAUDIVS IN SALMASIA".
Sheet: 23 x 37 cm approximately.
Plate stop: 16.5 x 23.5 cm approximately (engraved area).
The work is presented in excellent general conditions for the time.
Original laid paper with evident signs of aging which attest to its authenticity.
It has the original margins (as visible in the photo).
Light and uniform browning of the sheet which does not affect the beauty of the image.
Blank reverse with traces of old glue on the upper edges (sign of previous album assembly).
Watermark: Visible against the light, typical of paper production of the period (see dedicated photo).
Claude Saumaise was one of the greatest scholars of his time, famous for his controversy with John Milton. This print is not just a piece of art, but a fundamental historical document for collectors of vintage portraiture, enthusiasts of classical philology and lovers of ancient engraving techniques.
The engraving will be shipped in professional rigid packaging, protected by acid-free sheets to guarantee its integrity during transport.
Maximum care is guaranteed in packaging.
Formula: Seen and liked it (the photos are an integral part of the description).
Return: Accepted according to current regulations.
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