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ID #SA1231164
FOR SALE
£420
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‘Apotheosis of Handel’ Engraving by James Heath After Biaggio Rebecca, 1787
For sale by Miles Barton Art and Interiors
for sale €491     $533
£420
Miles Barton Art and Interiors

Miles Barton Art and Interiors

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2026
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    British and european pictures and works of art from the 17th to 20th century
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‘Apotheosis of Handel’ Engraving by James Heath After Biaggio Rebecca, 1787

18th century
Description

The ‘Apotheosis of Handel’ is a famous 1787 stipple engraving by the British printmaker James Heath, based on a design by Biagio Rebecca (1735-1808) published on 26th May 1787, to coincide with the anniversary of the massive Handel Commemoration festivals held at Westminster Abbey in London. It shows the composer George Frideric Handel being elevated to divine status (an 'apotheosis') floating on a cloud in a heavenly setting. He is crowned with a laurel wreath by the Genius of Harmony, and attended by an angel holding the eternal flame of posterity.

It celebrates the composer as a supreme national and international musical hero, cementing his legacy decades after his death in 1759.

Examples of this engraving are in various institutional collections but rarely available on the open market.

Held in a 19th century gilt frame

Paper size: 40 by 31 cm (16 x 12 in)

Frame size: 45 x 36 cm (17 ½ by 14 in)

Physical Dimensions
Height
45cm (17.72")
Width
36cm (14.17")
Depth
2cm (0.79")
Declaration

Miles Barton Art and Interiors has dated this 18th Century Framed Engraving to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1231164
Description
The ‘Apotheosis of Handel’ is a famous 1787 stipple engraving by the British printmaker James Heath, based on a design by Biagio Rebecca (1735-1808) published on 26th May 1787, to coincide with the anniversary of the massive Handel Commemoration festivals held at Westminster Abbey in London.
“
It shows the composer George Frideric Handel being elevated to divine status (an 'apotheosis') floating on a cloud in a heavenly setting.
Miles Barton Art and Interiors

He is crowned with a laurel wreath by the Genius of Harmony, and attended by an angel holding the eternal flame of posterity.

fig 1. An 18th-century monochrome copperplate engraving depicting George Frideric Handel surrounded by allegorical figures, displayed within a moulded gilt wood frame.
fig 1. ‘Apotheosis of Handel’ Engraving by James Heath After Biaggio Rebecca, 1787

It celebrates the composer as a supreme national and international musical hero, cementing his legacy decades after his death in 1759.

Examples of this engraving are in various institutional collections but rarely available on the open market.

Held in a 19th century gilt frame

Paper size: 40 by 31 cm (16 x 12 in)

Frame size: 45 x 36 cm (17 ½ by 14 in)

Height
45cm (17.72")
Width
36cm (14.17")
Depth
2cm (0.79")
Date of Manufacture

Miles Barton Art and Interiors has dated this 18th Century Framed Engraving to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1231164
Miles Barton Art and Interiors
Miles Barton Art and Interiors
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2026

British and european pictures and works of art from the 17th to 20th century

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Miles Barton Art and Interiors Profile Page

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An 18th-century monochrome copperplate engraving depicting George Frideric Handel surrounded by allegorical figures, displayed within a moulded gilt wood frame.
1 / 3
Archive I An 18th-century monochrome copperplate engraving depicting George Frideric Handel surrounded by allegorical figures, displayed within a moulded gilt wood frame.

‘Apotheosis of Handel’ Engraving by James Heath After Biaggio Rebecca, 1787

Archive II An 18th-century monochrome copperplate engraving depicting George Frideric Handel surrounded by allegorical figures, displayed within a moulded gilt wood frame. View II
Archive III An 18th-century monochrome copperplate engraving depicting George Frideric Handel surrounded by allegorical figures, displayed within a moulded gilt wood frame. View III
Enlarged Archival View
Miles Barton Art and Interiors

Miles Barton Art and Interiors
Telephone 07941 233015
Location
London and Somerset
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/milesbarton
Verified Since Aug 2026
Items For Sale 20
Items Sold 1
Miles Barton Art and Interiors
Miles Barton Art and Interiors
Verified Since Aug 2026
View Dealer Info
Location: London and Somerset, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/milesbarton
Verified
Aug 2026
For Sale
20
Sold
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An 18th-century monochrome copperplate engraving depicting George Frideric Handel surrounded by allegorical figures, displayed within a moulded gilt wood frame.
‘Apotheosis of Handel’ Engraving by James Heath after Biaggio Rebecca, 1787
Ref: SA1231164
An 18th-century monochrome copperplate engraving depicting George Frideric Handel surrounded by allegorical figures, displayed within a moulded gilt wood frame.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectFramed Print
  • Period18th century
  • StyleGeorgian Neoclassical
  • MaterialPaper, Ink, Gilt Wood, Glass
  • ColourMonochrome and Gold
  • MotifsAllegorical figures, Laurel wreath, Gilt frame, Plate mark impression
  • SizeH 45 cm (18 in) x W 36 cm (14 in) x D 2 cm (1 in)

This 18th-century framed print displays the monochrome copperplate engraving titled \u2018Apotheosis of Handel\u2019, executed in 1787 by James Heath after a design by Biaggio Rebecca. The Georgian Neoclassical style artwork depicts the composer George Frideric Handel elevated on a cloud amidst allegorical figures, including an angel crowning him with a laurel wreath and another holding an eternal flame. The composition includes a plate mark impression, fine hatching, and detailed shading across the paper surface, all contained within a stepped, moulded gilt wood frame with corner joints and a bright golden metallic finish showing faint surface wear. The entire piece measures 45 cm high, 36 cm wide, and 2 cm deep. Displaying a gentleman's library aesthetic with its monochrome tones and rich gilt border, the artwork suits placement above a sideboard or within a traditional living space. The wall-hung framed print integrates smoothly into formal study rooms, music salons, or historic interiors, where the detailed allegorical iconography complements period furniture. The glass protection and sturdy timber construction allow safe hanging in domestic settings.

FAQs

During the late 18th century, copperplate engravings were produced to honor prominent historical figures, musicians, and public events, often executed in the Neoclassical style featuring allegorical motifs and classical drapery.

Prints of this era were typically etched onto copper plates, inked, and impressed onto handmade rag paper. Frames were constructed from carved or moulded wood, often finished with water gilding using gold leaf.

Authentic period prints exhibit an indented plate mark around the image border from the press pressure, visible chain lines and watermarks in the laid paper, and sharp line detail characteristic of hand-engraved copperplates.

Display the framed print on a neutral background alongside dark mahogany furniture, or integrate it into a curated gallery wall featuring mixed media to add historical depth to a contemporary room.

Store or hang the artwork away from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent foxing and fading. Ensure the frame utilizes acid-free backing board and UV-filtering glass for optimal protection.
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