Engraver
Wenceslaus Hollar
, Czech, 1607-1677
After
Francis Cleyn
, German, 1582-1658
Title
Venus Brings Aeneas his WeaponsDate1697
MediumEtching
Dimensions
Plate: 30.7 x 20.2 cm
Sheet: 33 x 21.2 cm
Credit LinePresented, Brian Lalor Print Collection, 2014
Object numberNGI.2014.35
DescriptionThis etching first appeared in John Ogilby’s 1654 folio edition of Virgil’s epic poem 'The Aeneid'. Although the print was originally published under Cromwell’s Protectorate, Hollar was a royalist and he etched the hero Aeneas to resemble the exiled Charles II. The plates were reused for John Dryden’s 1697 English translation. Dryden’s publisher altered the features of Aeneas to resemble the new monarch, William of Orange, whose hooked-nose is clearly visible in this print.Inscriptionlower left (in plate): F. Cleyn inv.
lower centre (jn plate): AE. [in ligature] 8.l.825.
lower centre (in plate): To Sr. Godfry Kneller Knight/Principall Painter to his Majesty, Lower right: W.Hollar fecit, 1653.