Bilder Abraham Bosse (1602–1676) – Title Page for Sylvae Sacrae – Engraving (1630–1650)

Beskrivning

This engraving serves as the title page for the series Sylvae Sacrae, depicting two angels in a moment of profound devotion before a central stone monument. The monument is topped with a cross and inscribed with Latin text, including the Greek letters alpha and omega, symbolizing the divine beginning and end. At the base of the structure rest a skull and crossbones alongside an open book, serving as memento mori symbols to remind the viewer of the transient nature of life and the importance of spiritual study. The scene is set within a dense, shaded forest that recedes into a mountainous landscape, creating a secluded environment for prayer and contemplation. This illustration was intended to introduce a collection of prints focused on the lives of desert fathers and hermits, establishing the thematic focus on solitude, piety, and the sacredness of the wilderness.

Abraham Bosse was a celebrated French artist, printmaker, and theoretician who became one of the most significant figures in seventeenth-century graphic arts. He was particularly known for his meticulous depictions of contemporary life, fashion, and professions, as well as his technical mastery of etching and engraving. Bosse was a professor at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture and published influential treatises on perspective and the art of engraving. His work is noted for its high level of detail, clarity of line, and the ability to capture complex social and architectural environments with mathematical precision. His vast body of work remains a primary visual source for the cultural and social history of the French Baroque period.

Artist or Maker: Abraham Bosse .

Dimensions: Approximately 23 cm x 29 cm .

Medium: Engraving .

Date: 1630–1650

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.