Johann Gottlieb Prestel

German, 1739 - 1808

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This is a drawing of mythological figures and symbolic scenes. The composition is centered around a large, oval-shaped motif that features a reclining female figure draped in flowing garments, partially exposed, who is positioned on a cloud. In her hand is a shield, and she appears to be interacting with a cherubic child to her right holding a helmet adorned with a crest. Below her is a muscular male figure, also reclining, with an ornate shield and a bundle of spears or staves nearby. The background contains swirling clouds and architectural details. The drawing has muted tones and intricate linework.
Johann Gottlieb Prestel, Venus Commanding Vulcan to Make Arms for Aeneas, 1788, etching and aquatint printed in brown on laid paper, Gift of James A. Bergquist in honor of Jamie Gabbarelli, 2018.123.6

Venus Commanding Vulcan to Make Arms for Aeneas

Johann Gottlieb Prestel · 1788 · etching and aquatint printed in brown on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2018.123.6

This is a drawing of mythological figures in a celestial scene. The drawing features several figures gathered amidst clouds. One figure, an imposing male, crowned and muscular, dominates the scene. Surrounding him are other male figures integrated with the cloud forms. A female figure on the right appears to be in flight or supported by air, reaching out towards the central male figure. The lower portion of the artwork shows a hint of a natural landscape with clouds and trees. The drawing is executed with precision, using ink to provide detail and shading.
Johann Gottlieb Prestel, Jupiter and Juno, 1788, etching and aquatint on laid paper, Gift of James A. Bergquist in honor of Jamie Gabbarelli, 2018.123.5

Jupiter and Juno

Johann Gottlieb Prestel · 1788 · etching and aquatint on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2018.123.5

The image shows a sketch of a seated person reading a book. The person is depicted from head to waist, with detailed facial features and a beard. He has curly hair and is wearing simple drapery. There is a large open book with visible text and a wooden object nearby. A cross is shown on the side of the book. The background consists of simple sketched lines framing the figure.
Johann Gottlieb Prestel, Saint Jerome, 1782-1785, etching, Rosenwald Collection, 1948.11.277

Saint Jerome

Johann Gottlieb Prestel · 1782-1785 · etching ·  Accession ID  1948.11.277

The image depicts a person in a standing position, seen in profile facing right. They have delicate facial features with a distinct nose and lips, styled hair adorned with a headpiece resembling a crown or tiara. The person is wearing a long gown with detailed drapery, holding a tall, ornate goblet or chalice. The background is simple with foliage or bushes to the side. The scene is framed within a bordered mat.
Johann Gottlieb Prestel, Saint Barbara, 1782-1785, aquatint in dark green and etching in black, Rosenwald Collection, 1948.11.279

Saint Barbara

Johann Gottlieb Prestel · 1782-1785 · aquatint in dark green and etching in black ·  Accession ID  1948.11.279

This is a drawing of a group of armored figures. The individuals are depicted wearing classical and elaborate armor. They appear to be focusing on something central. The scene is detailed, with intricate designs on their helms and clothes. The setting suggests a natural environment, possibly under a tree or tent. The color palette consists mainly of shades of brown.
Johann Gottlieb Prestel, Dying Epaminondas, 1782, aquatint and etching in dark, medium, and light brown, Rosenwald Collection, 1948.11.288

Dying Epaminondas

Johann Gottlieb Prestel · 1782 · aquatint and etching in dark, medium, and light brown ·  Accession ID  1948.11.288

The image shows a sepia-toned artwork depicting two figures and a donkey. A woman is seated side-saddle on the donkey, holding a child close to her chest. Beside them, a man walks alongside, guiding the donkey. The background shows a dynamic sky with dramatic cloud formations.
Johann Gottlieb Prestel, The Flight into Egypt, 1782-1785, aquatint and etching in gray and brown, Rosenwald Collection, 1948.11.294

The Flight into Egypt

Johann Gottlieb Prestel · 1782-1785 · aquatint and etching in gray and brown ·  Accession ID  1948.11.294

This is a drawing of two figures embracing animals. The drawing features two intertwined figures in the center with elongated limbs and detailed facial expressions. There are animal elements included, with one figure seemingly holding a small animal or having animalistic features integrated with their form. The depiction of hair and features suggests a harmonious blend of human and animalistic characteristics. The artwork is framed with a plain border.
Johann Gottlieb Prestel, Sculpture, Painting, Architecture, 1782, etching, Rosenwald Collection, 1948.11.271

Sculpture, Painting, Architecture

Johann Gottlieb Prestel · 1782 · etching ·  Accession ID  1948.11.271

The image shows a portrait sketch of an individual with pronounced facial features, including prominent cheekbones, a strong nose, and full lips. The person's hair is voluminous with soft curls, and they are wearing a high-collared garment. The sketch is set against a plain background with a simple border and no visible jewelry or objects. The larger paper surrounding the portrait has a light-colored, textured surface with slight discolorations.
Johann Gottlieb Prestel, Head of a Man, 1782-1785, stipple etching, Rosenwald Collection, 1948.11.260

Head of a Man

Johann Gottlieb Prestel · 1782-1785 · stipple etching ·  Accession ID  1948.11.260

This is a drawing of an interior scene with an arched ceiling and a detailed composition. The drawing depicts an atmospheric space with a brick interior, featuring an arched doorway or passageway. Beneath the arch, in the foreground, there are various figures gathered around a central horizontal arrangement on the floor. Above, in the sky-like area, there is an assembly of cloud forms with radiant figures. The composition is intricate, with hatching and line work creating depth and shadows. The architectural elements are depicted with precision, leading the viewer's eye through the archway and focusing on the central scene. The artwork conveys a sense of narrative depth and spatial complexity through its use of perspective and intricate detailing.
Johann Gottlieb Prestel, The Adoration of the Shepherds, 1782-1785, etching and aquatint in printed in red-brown and black, Rosenwald Collection, 1948.11.286

The Adoration of the Shepherds

Johann Gottlieb Prestel · 1782-1785 · etching and aquatint in printed in red-brown and black ·  Accession ID  1948.11.286

This is a drawing of a person's head and neck shown in profile from the shoulders up. The person is facing right, featuring a straight nose, full lips, high forehead, styled hair, and no visible clothing or jewelry. The drawing is set against a simple background, with the name "Busche" in elegant script at the bottom right.
Johann Gottlieb Prestel, Head of a Woman, 1782-1785, etching, Rosenwald Collection, 1948.11.283

Head of a Woman

Johann Gottlieb Prestel · 1782-1785 · etching ·  Accession ID  1948.11.283