| Method | Copper engraving |
| Artist | after Charles Le Brun |
| Published | [c. 1660] |
| Dimensions | 237 x 347 mm, 251 x 352 mm |
| Notes |
A depiction of soldiers storming a city, kidnapping and killing the children, while the women are trying to defend their offspring and weep over the bodies of the ones that have already fallen. This image illustrates the bible verse from the 31st chapter of the book of Jeremiah, inscribed in the lower margin, which translates to: "A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not". In this chapter of the Old Testament, God declares to the prophet Jeremiah that he will make a new covenant with Israel, and save his people from their suffering. Most likely a copy in reverse after an engraving by Alexis Loir (1640-1713), a French silversmith and printmaker. Charles Le Brun (1619-1690) was a French painter and art theorist, and an important figure in 17th century art in France. He apprenticed with Francois Perrier and Vouet. From 1642 to 1645, Le Brun spent time in Italy with Nicolas Poussin, whom he was greatly influenced by. Le Brun later began working for Louis XIV, from whom he received numerous commissions, most famously the decoration of Versailles. In 1662, Louis XIV named Le Brun 'Premier peintre', and is said to have declared him "the greatest French artist of all time". Le Brun also played a prominent role in the reorganisation of the Académie de Peinture et de Sculpture, of which he became director. Condition: Good impression. . Trimmed within plate mark. Pressed centre fold. Minor tear to lower left margin. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £75.00 |
| Stock ID | 46097 |