Athens Plague 18th Century Engraving Ancient Greece Historical Scene

Description

Athens plague depicted in an eighteenth-century engraving illustrating one of the most dramatic episodes in ancient Greek history. The scene evokes the epidemic that struck the city in 430–427 BC during the Peloponnesian War.

The composition focuses on the human suffering associated with the disaster. Stricken figures and distressed families convey the disruption of everyday life while gestures of supplication express helplessness in the face of the epidemic.

This print presents an eighteenth-century interpretation of an ancient event. Its dramatic treatment brings together historical narrative and emotional expression, inviting the viewer to consider the experience of the people caught within the stricken city.

The subject is associated with the account of the Athenian historian Thucydides. The engraving translates this historical theme into a visual scene centred on collective distress and individual suffering.

The burin technique uses engraved lines and hatching to model the figures and create contrasts between light and shadow. The print will appeal to collectors interested in ancient Greece, historical illustration and the representation of epidemics in art.

This Athens plague engraving also offers a subject for a collection devoted to eighteenth-century interpretations of classical antiquity.

Reference: 5403-2R791.
Subject: the plague of Athens.
Historical period depicted: 430–427 BC.
Period of the engraving: 18th century.
Technique: burin engraving on paper.

The photographs form an integral part of the description and should be consulted for the appearance and condition of the print.

Format : 15,2 cm × 9,5 cm