767 - H. GREVEDON (1776–1860), Abbess Heloise (born c. 1095), Lithograph

H. GREVEDON (1776–1860), Abbess Heloise (born c. 1095), Lithograph Henri Grevedon (1776, Paris – 1860, ibid.): Abbess Heloisa (c. 1095–c. 1164 at the Paraklet Convent near Nogent-sur-Seine), 19th century, lithograph Technique: Hand-colored lithograph on paper Inscription: Titled and inscribed below with the sitter’s name in elaborate miniature. Date: 19th century Description: Large-format lithograph depicting the French abbess Heloisa, the secret wife of the theologian and philosopher Petrus Abaelardus. Depicted in a half-length portrait wearing the attire of an abbess. Behind her is a letter with an indistinct signature, alluding to her controversial love affair with her teacher, Abaelardus. The lovers’ romantic correspondence has survived as a literary work and is sometimes regarded as Abaelard’s sole work. The portrait is part of a pair of paintings depicting the monk Abaelard and the abbess Heloise. Keywords: 19th century, Romanticism, Biblical, Germany, Size: Paper: 48.7 cm x 33.5 cm (19.2 x 13.2 in), Image: 33.0 cm x 33.0 cm (13 x 13 in) Condition: Very good condition. The black paint shows fine craquelure. The margins of the sheet are slightly soiled and spotted in places. The edges show sporadic, slight bumps.