작품 상세

Jeu des Fables. A series of 52 etchings with subjects from Ovidius. The set was designed by the French intellectual Jean Desmarets de Saint-Sorlin (1596-1676) and intended as and educational playing cards game for the young Louis XIV. Each card contains subjects from Ovid's "Metamorphoses" represented by a mythological figure or figures with title, description and indication of suit. This pack is a reverse series of the Della Bella set. The engraver is unknown to me. The somewhat larger title etching (7.20 x 8.70 cm) shows Cupid seated with his bow and arrows, leaning on a stone on which the title appears; with the main Olympian gods on clouds above and Neptune riding in his chariot in the sea behind. Signed S de la Bella inventor. The set is complete except for plate 6 which is missing. A nice extensive series with all main subjects of the Metamorphoses inviting not only the king for interpretation of the scenes.