Vertumnus and Pomona

c. 1776

after Antoine Coypel

(French, 1661–1722)

Culture

France, 18th century

Medium

Color wash-manner etching and engraving with applied gold leaf

Measurements

Sheet: 33.3 x 26.5 cm (13 1/8 x 10 7/16 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Milne in memory of Leona E. Prasse 1987.90

Catalogue raisonné

Inventaire du Fonds Français 18 siècle 32

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Location

Not on view

Description

In 1774 Louis-Marin Bonnet developed yet another technical innovation: a printed gold leaf border. Janinet, who had been Bonnet's student, adopted this practice. However, because the use of gold leaf by printmakers was illegal (they were not among the trades officially allowed to use it), the two artists produced only about 20 prints with gold frames before they were caught by the authorities. In classical mythology, Pomona was a nymph who grew fruit but did not allow men to enter her orchard. Vertumnus, a handsome young man, disguised himself as an old woman to gain entry. After telling Pomona stories of love, he removed his disguise and won her hand.