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Engraver Wenceslaus Hollar , Czech, 1607-1677

After Francis Cleyn , German, 1582-1658

Title

Venus Brings Aeneas his Weapons

Date1697

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.