| Method | Copper engraving with early hand colouring |
| Artist | Balthasar Moncornet |
| Published | c. 1657 |
| Dimensions | Each image 135 x 105 mm, Each plate 157 x 113 mm, Each sheet 165 x 124 mm |
| Notes |
A set of five allegorical prints of female figures representing the five senses by Balthasar Moncornet. The five plates are titled L'Attouchement (Touch), La Veue (Sight), L'Ouye (Hearing), Le Goust (Taste) and L' Ororat (Smell). Touch is represented by a female figure stood, her right arm raised upon which sits a bird that is pecking at her. In the background is a landscape scene in which two couples can be seen, one seated with the man touching the woman's face. Sight is in the form of a female figure stood, her left arm raised holding a telescope that she holds up to her eye. In the background figures can be seen in a landscape, one seated with another telescope. Hearing is represented by a female figure stood playing a lute whilst looking directly at the viewer. A group of musicians can be seen in the background, a deer to the left of the figure. Taste is in the form of a female figure stood, her right hand raised to her mouth with a fig. Her left hand is hovering over a bowel of figs on a pedestal, in the background figures are seen eating together. Smell is represented by a female figure stood, her right hand raised with a flower held to her nose. She balances a basket of flowers to her hip with her left arm, whilst a dog paws at her side. Balthasar Moncornet (c.1600 - 1668) was a French tapissier, engraver, and publisher, working primarily in France. He was a specialist in ornamental prints. Ex. Col.: Goltzius B. V. Old Master Prints, Amsterdam. Condition: Highlighted in gold. Trimmed to just outside plate mark. Some minor spots of foxing to sheets. Old hinging tape on versos. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £850.00 |
| Stock ID | 53357 |