Jean-Baptiste de Poilly, “Pethus et Aria”, early 1700s

Jean-Baptiste de Poilly (1669–1728)

“Pethus et Aria” (or “Paetus and Arria”), early 1700s

Contextual Commentary:

This original 18th-century etching with engraving is from a celebrated suite of plates featuring antique classical sculptures, executed and published in Paris by Jean-Baptiste de Poilly.

The engraving depicts a Roman marble sculpture traditionally called “Pethus et Aria”, illustrating the tragic story of the Roman senator Caecina Paetus and his devoted wife, Arria the Elder, from 42 AD. Ordered to commit suicide by Emperor Claudius, Paetus hesitates to plunge the dagger into his chest. To give him courage, Arria famously stabbed herself first, uttering her final words documented by Pliny the Younger: “Paete, non dolet” (Paetus, it does not hurt).

Interestingly, in the 18th century, this ancient statue was widely misidentified as the Roman couple. It is actually the Hellenistic masterpiece known today as the “Ludovisi Gaul” (or “Galatian Suicide”), showing a Celtic warrior taking his own life and that of his wife to avoid capture by Roman forces.

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching with engraving on laid paper with small margins. The lower corners of the margins have been replenished, and the sheet has been professionally laid upon a backing sheet of archival-quality washi paper to provide structural support and a clean false margin for conservation presentation.

The impression is crisp, strong, and evenly inked with no sign of plate wear, retaining the tonal depth characteristic of an lifetime impression. Aside from a closed tear in the upper margin and the neat structural restorations to the lower corners, the sheet remains in excellent antique condition with no holes, structural folds, or significant foxing.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 30.9 x 22.3 cm
• Platemark: 28.0 x 19.6 cm
• Image borderline: 27.0 x 18.8 cm

In-Plate Lettering (below the image borderline):

• Left: “J.B. Poilly sculp.”
• Centre: “Pethus et Aria.”

References:

• Le Blanc 51 (Charles Le Blanc, “Manuel de l'amateur d'estampes, contenant un dictionnaire des graveurs de toutes les nations,” vol. 3, 1888, Paris, Émile Bouillon, p. 223, cat. no. 51 [Diverses statues antiques])
• Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection — https://collections.britishart.yale.edu/catalog/alma:99171303803408651

Price & Shipping:

AU$223 (approximately US$155.56 / €138.50 / £116.69), inclusive of worldwide express shipping. Please note that import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this graphically striking and historically fascinating engraving—capturing both classical Roman mythology and the golden age of French reproduction printmaking—please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. Payment is processed securely via PayPal invoice with worldwide tracked tracking provided upon shipping dispatch.