Etruscan vase (VI)

24 x 15 cm (9.5 x 6 inches).

Plate 19. Greek priestess Io

This original antique engraving was made in 1819 for Sir Henry Englefield, an English scientist and Fellow of the Royal Society and the Society of Antiquaries. He was secretary of the Dilettanti Society (which still exists) of noblemen and scholars that sponsors the study of ancient Greek and Rome and the creation of new work in the style.

The Etruscan civilization (~800BC to 400BC) was in ancient Italy. The Etruscans made beautiful painted vases, strongly influenced by Greek art. Engelfield was a passionate collector of them, and engaged Henry Moses to illustrate his famous collection. We were delighted to find an original set of these stylish engravings which are in excellent condition.