Bilder Cornelis de Bruijn (1652-1727) – Set of 2: Esclave Noir and Esclave Noire – Etching (1718)

Beskrivning

"Esclave Noir, Esclave Noire". This set of two plates depicts a male and a female figure in Persian or Ottoman-style dress, documented during the artist's travels. The male figure is shown wearing a turban and a long kaftan, holding a staff and a basket, while the female figure is depicted in a draped headcovering and long gown, carrying a tray with a flagon and cups. These etchings are from the French edition of Voyages de Corneille le Brun par la Moscovie, en Perse, et aux Indes, published in Amsterdam in 1718. The work is renowned for its ethnographic detail, providing one of the most comprehensive visual records of the diverse populations and social structures encountered in the Middle East and Central Asia during the early eighteenth century.

Cornelis de Bruijn was a Dutch painter, traveler, and author who spent a significant portion of his life exploring the Levant, Persia, and Russia. Unlike many travel illustrators of his time, de Bruijn was a trained artist who insisted on drawing from life to ensure the highest degree of accuracy in his depictions of architecture, costume, and people. His publications were celebrated for their realism and served as a bridge between western Europe and the then-mysterious East. De Bruijn's meticulous documentation of local customs and dress made his travelogues essential references for historians and geographers for generations. His dual legacy as an explorer and a fine artist remains significant in the history of global travel literature.

Artist or Maker:
Cornelis de Bruijn.

Dimensions:
Approximately 40 cm x 54 cm (total area for the pair).

Medium:
Etching.

Date:
1718.

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.