Fanciful Costumes: Costume of the Astrologer

c. 1690

Nicolas de Larmessin II

(French, 1638–1694)

Culture

France, 17th century

Medium

etching and engraving

Support

Laid paper

Measurements

Sheet: 31.7 x 21.6 cm (12 1/2 x 8 1/2 in.); Platemark: 28.7 x 19.7 cm (11 5/16 x 7 3/4 in.)

Credit Line

John L. Severance Fund 2001.13

Catalogue raisonné

Inventaire du Fonds Français vol. VI, p. 551, no. 15

State

only state

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Location

Not on view

Description

These two prints are from a series of about 70 fanciful portrayals of various trades and skills. The astrologer is decorated with the twelve astrological signs arranged in order, while the helmet of the fireworks maker appears to spray its own tuft of pyrotechnics into the sky. The astrologer also stands before a building labeled as an observatory, a telescope on its roof, and the costume of the fireworks maker resembles protective armor.