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

F. BARTOLOZZI (*1728) after BEAUCLERK (*1734), Trial proof: A tomb allegory for Leonora, 1796, Etching Francesco Bartolozzi (1728 Florence – 1815 Lisbon) after Diana Beauclerk (1734 – 1808): Funerary allegory of Leonora—angels and putti with drapery, a sarcophagus, and a skull, 1796, Etching Technique: Etching on paper, relined at the margins on paper Inscription: At the bottom, signed on the printing plate: "Drawn by Lady Diana Beauclerk | F. Bartolozzi R, A, Etch'd, 1796.". Inscribed at the bottom of the printing plate: "Published June 1, 1796, by E. & S. Harding, Pall Mall.". Date: 1796 Description: Proof prior to 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 center 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 striking imagery. A third putto hovers above, carefully holding a small round container toward the sky. Could it possibly contain the soul of the dead? Keywords: Dance of Death; Depiction of a grave; Allegory; Memento mori; Frontispiece; Leonora; Gothic; Gothic Romanticism; Pointillist illustration; Lady Diana Beauclerk; Putti; Symbolism of death; 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), Illustration: 30.7 cm x 22.6 cm (12.1 x 8.9 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. Slightly discolored due to age. Shows foxing, particularly in the upper and lower margins. The lower right margin is rubbed, and the writing is difficult to read. Minor creases. Has a modern paper margin all around on the reverse.