Allegory on the Recovery of the King

1790

Francesco Bartolozzi, after William Hamilton

Associated Names
Francesco Bartolozzi

Artist, Florentine, 1727 - 1815

Charles Ansell

Publisher, British, active 1784 - 1796

James Matthews

Publisher, British, active 1774 - 1814

Molteno, Colnaghi, & Co.

Publisher, British, active 1790s

William Hamilton

Artist After, British, 1751 - 1801

This is a drawing of an allegorical scene with classical figures. The central figure is seated on a pedestal, wearing a regal robe and crowned by a standing figure. The pedestal has the inscription "REDENTI SATVRNIA REGNA" and is flanked by two cherubic figures, one holding a cornucopia. To each side, a robed female figure stands on a pedestal, one holding an olive branch and the other holding a bouquet of flowers. Each figure is framed within a niche, creating a sense of architectural depth. The scene is detailed, capturing the grandeur and symbolism typical of neoclassical art, with elements such as drapery, architectural structures, and textures adding to the composition.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    stipple engraving on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of James A. Bergquist in honor of Dwayne and Faith Perry

  • Dimensions

    plate: 46 × 52.5 cm (18 1/8 × 20 11/16 in.)
    sheet: 46.3 × 52.8 cm (18 1/4 × 20 13/16 in.)
    mount: 51.8 × 74.7 cm (20 3/8 × 29 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2018.30.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Tuer 1881, no. 1795

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(James A. Bergquist, Newton Centre, MA); gift to NGA, 2017.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1881

  • Tuer, Andrew W. Bartolozzi and his works. 2 vols. London: Field and Tuer; Hamilton, Adams and Co.,1881: no. 1795

1928

  • Calabi, Augusto, and Alessandro De Vesme. Francesco Bartolozzi. Milan, 1928: no. undesc.

Inscriptions

on monument in image: REDEVNT / SATVRNIA REGNA; lower left in plate: W. Hamilton R. A. Pinx.t; lower right in plate: F. Bartolozzi R. A. Engraver to his Majesty Sculpt.; lower center in plate: TO SIR JOSEPH BANKS BART. PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY / This Plate from the Transparency Exhibited at his House on the 10th of March 1789 / On the GENERAL ILLUMINATION for HIS MAJESTY'S RECOVERY, / is humbly dedicated by his Obedient Servant / Charles Ansell / Pub. June 4 1790 by C. Ansell No. 5 Upper Iohn Street . Fitzroy Chapel I Matthews No. 441 Strand, 7 Molteno, Colnaghi, & Co., No. 132 Pall Mall; printed on album sheet: 87

Wikidata ID

Q77262780

You may be interested in

Loading Results