Salomon Gessner, “Hylas and the Nymphs”, 1771

Salomon Gessner (1730–1788)

“Hylas and the Nymphs” (also known as “Hylas ontvoerd door de nimfen” [Hylas abducted by the nymphs]), 1771

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching on fine wove paper, bearing a partial “I. C. & R. IMHOF” watermark. Gessner’s etchings were first published between 1769 and 1771, and this plate is dated 1771. The watermark is associated with the Im-Hof paper mill in Basel and may indicate a later printing; however, it does not by itself establish a precise printing date.

Plate 10 (of 10) from Gessner’s series Idyllic Landscapes with Mythological Figures (Landschappen met mythologische figuren).

The impression is richly inked and evenly printed, with strong tonal contrast and excellent clarity in the dense foliage. The sheet is exceptionally clean and well preserved, with no tears, holes, folds, abrasions, or foxing.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 41.1 x 24.5 cm
• Platemark: 24.2 x 19.1 cm
• Image borderline: 22.4 x 18.2 cm

In-Plate Lettering (below the image borderline):

• Left: “S. Gessner. 1771.”
• Right: “10.”

References:

• Leemann-Van Elck 32 (Paul Leemann-van Elck, “Salomon Gessner: sein Lebensbild mit beschreibenden Verzeichnissen seiner literarischen und künstlerischen Werke”, 1930, Zurich, Orell Füssli, p. 268, cat. no. 32)
• National Gallery of Art (Washington): Accession Number 1999.100.14 — https://www.nga.gov/artworks/111489-hylas-and-nymphs
• Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam): Object Number RP-P-1941-506 — https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200196431  

Price & Shipping:

AU$241 (approximately US$167.48 / €148.97 / £125.64), inclusive of worldwide express shipping. Please note that import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this superb, beautifully preserved etching depicting Hylas—the young companion of Hercules—being drawn into the depths of a sacred spring by water nymphs, please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. Payment is handled smoothly and securely via PayPal invoice.