Type of artwork: Antique Pair of Engravings – Le Concert & Hercule entre le Vice et la Vertu
Surface: Laid paper, presented under a clean ivory mount
Artists and Engravers: After Giorgione and Annibale Carracci
Drawn by Sébastien Le Roy and Bourdon
Engraved by Chataigner, Villeroy, Queverdo, and Dambrun
Published as part of the École Italienne engraving series
Subjects: Le Concert — after Giorgione, depicting musicians and nymphs in a pastoral landscape, a masterful interpretation of Venetian High Renaissance sensuality. Hercule entre le Vice et la Vertu — after Annibale Carracci, representing Hercules choosing between Virtue and Vice, a classical allegory of moral strength and temptation.
These engravings exemplify 18th-century French academic engraving, where leading draughtsmen and burin engravers translated Italian masterpieces for collectors and scholars. Each piece displays meticulous cross-hatching, tonal modulation, and fine linework typical of the period’s
... Cabinet des Estampes output.
Approximate age of artwork: Mid to late 18th Century
Is the artwork Framed or Mounted: Mounted (as shown) — ready for framing
Art Historical Context: Both scenes belong to the École Italienne series, printed in France during the 18th century.
“Le Concert” reflects Giorgione’s Venetian sensibility — soft tonal modelling, poetic nudes, and atmospheric composition.
“Hercule entre le Vice et la Vertu” captures Carracci’s moral allegory through Renaissance idealism and anatomy, symbolising the human struggle between temptation and virtue.
Together, they showcase the influence of Italian Renaissance masters on French engraving and collecting culture.
Condition Report: Both engravings are in good condition with crisp impressions and rich tone. Slight, age-typical paper toning but no visible tears or creases. Newly mounted in acid-free ivory board, ready for display.
Size of each image: Each approx. 17cm x 13cm Mount size approx. 48 cm x 36 cm
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***************Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1172902
Dateline of this antique is 18th Century
Height is 48cm (18.9inches)Width is 36cm (14.2inches)Depth is 0cm (0.0inches)
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