Illustration to Jean Desmarets' "L'Ariane"

published 1639

Abraham Bosse after Claude Vignon

Associated Names
Abraham Bosse

Artist, French, 1602 - 1676

Claude Vignon

Artist After, French, 1593 - 1670

This is a drawing of an ancient sacrificial ritual. The scene depicts an elevated platform where a central male figure with a long beard, wearing an ornate hat, holds a knife over another figure who is restrained and hunched forward. To the left, a woman is poised dramatically with one hand raised. Behind them, a crowd of onlookers and more individuals in the foreground suggest an audience witnessing the ritual. The background reveals classical architecture like temples and an obelisk. The drawing is intricately rendered with careful attention to details, such as the expressions on the faces of the figures and the textures of the garments they wear.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Accession Number

    1981.48.17

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Le Blanc, 585


Artwork history & notes

Wikidata ID

Q74037152

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