Antonio Tempesta Composition Venus and Adonis Embracing 1622 M Faulte Engraving

Description

This Venus and Adonis engraving dated 1622 is after a composition by Antonio Tempesta and bears the engraved signature “M. Faulte sc.” at the lower right.

The lovers embrace beneath a large tree in a wooded landscape. Their gestures and flowing garments create an intimate central group, framed by the dark trunk and finely worked foliage.

Hunting dogs stand beside them, while a spear lies across the foreground. In the distance on the left, small hunting figures extend the narrative into the surrounding landscape. The scene draws on the mythological love story told in Ovid’s Metamorphoses.

The engraving combines delicate detail with strong contrasts. Fine lines describe the hair, drapery and vegetation, while the darker passages give depth and prominence to the figures.

The French caption beneath the composition reads “Adonis aimé de Venus”. The engraved signature “M. Faulte sc.” remains visible at the lower right.

An appealing seventeenth-century print for collectors of classical mythology, romantic subjects and compositions after Antonio Tempesta.

Details:
– Date: 1622.
– Subject: Venus and Adonis embracing beneath a tree.
– Composition: after Antonio Tempesta.
– Engraved signature: “M. Faulte sc.”
– Technique: intaglio engraving on paper.
– Sheet dimensions: 16 × 13 cm.
– Image dimensions: 13.5 × 11.1 cm.

Condition: antique paper with a cream tone and signs of age. The composition and engraved details remain clearly legible. Please examine the photographs for the condition of the sheet.