Pierre Lepautre, “Allegory of Poetry”, 1690, after Alexandre Ubelesqui

Pierre Lepautre (aka Pierre Le Pautre; Pierre Lepaultre) (1652–1716)

“Allegory of Poetry” (aka “La Poesie”; “Allégorie de la Poésie” [see https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b84357441.item]),1690, after a painting by Alexandre Ubelesqui (known in his lifetime by only his first name, Alexandre, as inscribed in the plate, also known as Alexandre Ubeleski and Alexandre Ubielesqui) (1649–1718), from the series, “Le Cabinet des beaux Arts ou Recueil d'Estampes gravées d'apres les Tableaux d'un plafond ou les beaux Arts sont representés Avec l'explication de ces memes Tableaux” (The Cabinet of Fine Arts or Collection of Prints Engraved after the Paintings of a Ceiling Where the Fine Arts Are Represented with the Explanation of These Same Paintings), published in Paris by Jacques Chéreau (aka Chéreau le jeune) (1688–1776).

The British Museum advises that the series is “after a ceiling painting representing Apollo, Mercury, Minerva and allegories of the Liberal Arts, by and after various French artists” (see https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1849-1031-463-478).

Engraving with etching on laid paper with a small margin around the platemark and backed with a support sheet.

Size: (sheet) 18.3 x 28.4 cm; (plate) 16.6 x 27 cm; (oval image borderline) 15.2 x 25.1 cm.

Lettered in plate below the oval image borderline: (left) “Alexandre jnuenit et Pinxit”; (left of centre) “A Paris chez Jac. Chereau rue”; (centre) “LA POESIE.”; (right of centre) “S^t. Jacques au grand S^t. Remi”; (right) “P. le Pautre delineauit et fecit 5.y.”

Condition: a strong and well-printed impression, trimmed with a small margin around the platemark and backed with a support of archival (millennium quality) washi paper providing wide margins. There is a significant ink mark outside the oval image borderline at right and minor surface handling marks, otherwise the sheet is in a fair to good condition with no tears or holes.

I am offering this intriguing Baroque engraving depicting an allegorical personification of the art of poetry and its vital role within the arts during the seventeenth century. Notice, for example, the stage scene on the left featuring Pierre Corneille’s play “Cinna”—a tragedy about the Roman poet Cinna, who was falsely accused of conspiracy—written just forty-nine years before this print was made, and shortly before the painting it reproduces. The theatrical intrigue involving a poet within the composition would have resonated at the time, especially considering the political tensions surrounding Louis XIV.

Additionally, the composition includes dramatically lit putti figures to the left of the reclining figure personifying poetry and prose, depicted as a woman wearing a laurel wreath, in a meditative and transcendent state. Her creative inspiration is heralded by a putto blowing a trumpet, announcing her fame, while another holds up a theatrical mask on the right—emphasising the connection between poetry, performance, music, and inspiration.

The total price for this remarkable engraving is AU$249 (approximately US$165.64, EUR 141.19, or GBP 122.10), which includes worldwide express shipping. Please note that any applicable import duties are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you're interested in acquiring this rare and marvellous Baroque engraving, please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly send you a PayPal invoice for a smooth and secure transaction.

Note that currently mail services from Australia to the USA have been suspended. Consequently, at the moment I am unable to accept purchases needing shipping to the United States.