| Method | Etching |
| Artist | Charles William Sherborn |
| Published | [c. 1875] |
| Dimensions | Image 102 x 61 mm, Plate 125 x 75 mm, Sheet 333 x 226 mm |
| Notes |
A scarce proof impression of Charles Sherborn's engraving of Apollo. Apollo is depicted nude alongside several of his iconographical attributes. He is holding a bow in his left hand while the quiver with arrows lies at his feet. These attributes show Apollo as a hunter and the twin brother of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. She herself is shown in the background. Next to Apollo's quiver, a lute is resting against a tree, which represents Apollo's creative side as a poet and musician. The rooster announces the dawn every morning and is depicted here at Apollo's right to refers to Apollo's role as the sun-god. The woman and the swan in the sky on the background are references to Apollo's birth. He was born to Leto and Zeus, but when Zeus' wife Hera found out that Leto was pregnant she made sure that Leto could not find a place anywhere on earth to give birth. Leto therefore gave birth on Delos, an island that was floating on the sea because of strong under-currents. As Leto was giving birth to Apollo the island became surrounded by a flock of swans, which became Apollo's sacred bird. One legend even states that Apollo flew on the back of a swan to Hyperboreans and spent a winter amongst the swans. Inscription on a banderol on the left side of the print: 'Apollo Mysticvs solaris lyristis venator pythivs medicvs'. (Apollo, god of Prophecy, of the Sun, bard, hunter of Python, and physician) Charles William Sherborn (1831-1912) was a British printmaker who was mainly active in London. He is most well-known as a designer of bookplates. Condition: Excellent impression. Light creases to margins. |
| Framing | mounted |
| Price | £85.00 |
| Stock ID | 42677 |