Francesco Bartolozzi (Florence, 1727 - 1815, Lisbon)
The Nymph of Immortality, Attended by the Loves, Crowning the bust of Shakespear, 1784
Color stipple engraving and etching on laid paper, 37.8 x 28.7 cm (14 7/8 x 11 5/16 in.)
This oval print, created by etching and stipple engraving, is presented vertically in a simple, off-white mat. The various tones in the print are a result of the stipple effect, in which etching needles are used to create a pattern of dots of different sizes and thicknesses. Centered in the print is the light-skinned, female nymph of immortality, wearing a wrap around the lower part of her body that drapes loosely over her arms, revealing her breasts, shoulders and upper arms, neck, and the lower part of her left leg. Her hair is pulled over her forehead and back into a braid; large wings extend out and behind her. She leans back with her arms held out; one foot is visible on the ground while the other is seemingly on the step behind her. Her head is tilted to our right and down, with her gaze down on a group of winged cherubs dancing. A multi-pointed star is placed at the crown of her head. In her right hand, she holds a crown of similar stars which she attempts to place on the head of the bust statue of Shakespeare, which is on the left side of the engraving. The bust sits on a round pedestal which rests on a square base. Another winged cherub stands behind the pedestal and leans into the statue. Two masks of bearded men are placed around the pedestal. A lit torch leans on the base below the pedestal. A rock wall and waterfall can be seen in the background; some bushes can be seen in the distance to the upper right.
Short Gallery
Commentary
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