414 - F. BARTOLOZZI (*1728) after BEAUCLERK (*1734), Trial proof: A tomb allegory for Leonora, 1796, Etch

F. BARTOLOZZI (*1728) after BEAUCLERK (*1734), Trial proof: A tomb allegory for Leonora, 1796, Etch Francesco Bartolozzi (1728 Florence - 1815 Lissabon) after Diana Beauclerk (1734 - 1808 ): Funerary allegory of Leonora Angels and putti with drapery, sarcophagus and skull, 1796, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper, relined at the margins on Paper Inscription: At the lower part signed in the printing plate: "Drawn by Lady Diana Beauclerk | F. Bartolozzi R, A, Etch'd, 1796.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "Published June 1, 1796, by E. & S. Harding, Pall Mall.". Date: 1796 Description: Proof before the inscription on the cloth. In this allegorical depiction, which serves as the frontispiece to the English edition of Gottfried August Bürger's Leonora, a sarcophagus is depicted in the centre of a gloomy tree frame. Two winged putti lay wreaths of flowers on the grave, which is marked at the foot with a skull. Above the scene, two skeletons wrapped in shrouds hold a large burial shroud, a memento mori of impressive imagery. A third putto hovers above, carefully holding a small round container towards the sky. Could it possibly contain the soul of the dead? Keywords: Dance of Death; Grave depiction; Allegory; Memento mori; Frontispiece; Leonora; Gothic; Gothic Romanticism; Pointillustration; Lady Diana Beauclerk; Putti; Death symbolism; English book illustration; 18th century; 18th century; Romanticism; Literature; United Kingdom; Size: Paper: 34,7 cm x 26,0 cm (13,7 x 10,2 in), Depiction: 30,7 cm x 22,6 cm (12,1 x 8,9 in) Condition: Rather good condition. Slightly discoloured due to age. With foxing, particularly in the upper and lower margins. Lower right margin rubbed and the writing is difficult to read. Minor creases. With modern paper margin all round on the reverse.