456 - J. TISCHBEIN (*1722), Menelaus and Paris, 1757, Etching

J. TISCHBEIN (*1722), Menelaus and Paris, 1757, Etching Johann Heinrich Tischbein Sr. (1722 Haina – 1789 Kassel): Menelaus and Paris, 1757, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Catalog Raisonné: , Inscription: Signed in the printing plate, lower right: "JHTischbein Pinx et Sculp.". Inscribed in the printing plate at the bottom: "Menlaus et Paris. le Tableau est dans le Cabinet de S.A.Sr Mgr le Landgrave de Hesse Cassell.". Dated lower right: "1757". Date: 1757 Description: Genre scene from ancient Greek mythology featuring a full-length depiction of warriors in front of a city. The scene tells the story of the legendary abduction of “Beautiful Helen,” the wife of Menelaus, King of Sparta, by the king’s son Paris. In the myth, the abduction to Troy was the cause of the Trojan War. This scene depicts the duel between Menelaus and Paris, which takes place at the gates of Troy and is resolved only through the intervention of the gods—Venus, on the left, envelops Paris in a cloud and carries him to Helen’s chamber. Bibliography: Nagler, G. K.: Neues allgemeines Künstler-Lexikon (Vol. 1–25). Information on the Lives and Works of Painters, Sculptors, Architects, Engravers, Lithographers, Mold Makers, Draftsmen, Medalists, Ivory Carvers, etc.; Vienna 1924; cat. no. 4. Cat. Rais. No.:. Keywords: antiquizing, warrior, antiquity, Greece, Homer, epic, 18th century, Classicism, Mythology, France, Size: Paper: 21.8 cm x 17.1 cm (8.6 x 6.7 in), Plate: 17.7 cm x 13.7 cm (7 x 5.4 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. The sheet is discolored and slightly stained due to age. Small brown spots are visible in the center-right. There is a full-page vertical crease down the center. Some rubbing is visible in the image. There is a restored tear in the left margin. The lower left corner of the sheet has been restored.