Items Similar to Monumental Classical Relief Frieze, Montfaucon Antiquity Explained, London 1721
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9
Monumental Classical Relief Frieze, Montfaucon Antiquity Explained, London 1721
$1,494.03
£1,117.25
€1,250
CA$2,059.80
A$2,260.67
CHF 1,188.02
MX$26,901.57
NOK 15,186.40
SEK 13,877.36
DKK 9,525.52
About the Item
Monumental Classical Relief Frieze, Montfaucon Antiquity Explained, London 1721
Description:
This impressive engraved plate comes from Bernard de Montfaucon’s landmark work Antiquity Explained and Represented in Sculptures, published in London in 1721. The composition reproduces a monumental classical relief, densely populated with reclining and standing figures, putti, and symbolic attributes arranged in a continuous horizontal frieze. The scene evokes the sculptural language of Roman sarcophagi and architectural decoration, intended to convey abundance, harmony, and mythological or allegorical narrative rather than a single isolated episode.
Montfaucon’s ambition with this publication was to systematically document ancient sculpture as a visual archive for scholars, artists, and collectors. Plates such as this were engraved to communicate scale, rhythm, and compositional balance, making them especially compelling today as decorative works in their own right. The engraving captures the sculptural depth through subtle shading and careful line work, translating stone relief into a richly textured printed image.
What sets this plate apart is its strong horizontal format and visual density, giving it exceptional presence when framed. The scene reads as an architectural element, almost like a built-in frieze or overdoor panel, making it ideal for large walls, corridors, staircases, hotel interiors, or above furniture such as consoles or sofas. From a distance, the overall rhythm and silhouettes dominate; up close, the viewer is rewarded with finely engraved details and expressive figures.
Although the impression is softer than some later academic engravings, this is entirely consistent with early 18th-century book illustration and contributes to its authenticity and decorative warmth. The sheet embodies the scholarly and aesthetic ideals of the early Enlightenment, when classical antiquity was studied not only as history but as a living source of artistic inspiration.
Condition:
Good overall antique condition. A central vertical fold line as issued. Light age toning and minor surface marks consistent with age. No major losses. The softness of the impression is inherent to the original printing.
Framing tips:
This plate benefits from generous matting to emphasize its scale. A wide off-white or warm ivory mat with a thin inner fillet works well. Frame suggestions include dark walnut, ebonized wood, or antique gilt for a more classical interior. Ideal for horizontal placement above furniture or as a statement piece in a long hallway.
Technique: Copper engraving
Maker: Bernard de Montfaucon, France / London edition, 1721
- Dimensions:Height: 16.66 in (42.3 cm)Width: 19.77 in (50.2 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1720-1729
- Date of Manufacture:1721
- Condition:Good overall antique condition. A central vertical fold line as issued. Light age toning and minor surface marks consistent with age. No major losses. The softness of the impression is inherent to the original printing.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-14184-1-231stDibs: LU3054348027902
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,800 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllMonumental Classical Relief Scene, Montfaucon Antiquity Explained Engraving 1721
Located in Langweer, NL
Monumental Classical Relief Scene, Montfaucon Antiquity Explained Engraving, 1721
Description
This impressive and richly scaled engraving originates from the landmark antiquarian wo...
Category
Antique 1720s British Prints
Materials
Paper
Double Bacchic Frieze, Classical Mythological Relief – Montfaucon Engraving 1721
Located in Langweer, NL
Double Bacchic Frieze, Classical Mythological Relief – Montfaucon Engraving 1721
DESCRIPTION
Large and highly decorative engraving depicting a double horizontal mythological frieze ...
Category
Antique 1720s British Prints
Materials
Paper
Monumental Classical Sculpture Studies – Montfaucon Antiquity Explained, 1721
Located in Langweer, NL
Classical Sculpture Studies, Montfaucon Antiquity Explained, Rome & Mythology, 1721
Description:
This impressive early 18th-century engraving originates from Bernard de Montfaucon’s...
Category
Antique 1720s British Prints
Materials
Paper
Monumental Classical Relief Frieze – Bacchic Procession, Montfaucon, 1721
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Monumental Classical Relief Frieze – Bacchic Procession, Montfaucon, 1721
Description: This large-format engraving is conceived as an architectural object rather than a small...
Category
Antique 1720s British Prints
Materials
Paper
Roman Gods and Mythological Reliefs, Composite Classical Engraving, 1721
Located in Langweer, NL
Roman Statues and Coins, Composite Antiquities Plate with Center Fold, 1721
Description:
This large and visually rich engraving is a composite antiquarian study plate from the first...
Category
Antique 1720s British Prints
Materials
Paper
Monumental Classical Allegory, Large Horizontal Engraving from Montfaucon, 1721
Located in Langweer, NL
Monumental Classical Allegory, Large Horizontal Engraving from Montfaucon, 1721
Description:
This impressive large-format engraving originates from Bernard de Montfaucon’s monumenta...
Category
Antique 1720s British Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
Large Scale Original Antique Grand Tour Prints-Relief Carvings. Rome, 1776
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful images of Relief Carvings
Copper-plate engravings
Published by Monaldini, Rome, 1776
Good quality wove paper
Free shipping
Category
Antique 1770s Italian Classical Roman Prints
Materials
Plaster
Ancient Roman Bas-Relief - Etching by Pietro Campana - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Ancient Roman Bas-Relief, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Pietro Campana in the 18th century.
...
Category
18th Century Old Masters Figurative Prints
Materials
Etching
Ancient Roman Painting - Etching by N. Orcity, N. Vanni - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Ancient Roman painting- Offering Scene from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Nic Orcity an...
Category
18th Century Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Etching
Ancient Roman Frescoes - Etching by Niccolò Vanni - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Ancient Roman Frescoes of Herculaneum from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an etching on paper realized by Nicola Vanni in the 18th Century.
Signed on the plate.
Goo...
Category
Late 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Prints
Materials
Etching
Ancient Roman Fresco - Etching by Giovanni Morghen - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Ancient Roman Fresco from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an etching on paper realized by Giovanni Morghen in the 18th Century.
Signed on the plate.
Good conditions w...
Category
Late 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Prints
Materials
Etching
Ancient Roman Scene - Etching by Giovanni Morghen - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Ancient Roman Scene from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Giovanni Morghen in the 18th Century.
Signed on the plate.
Good condit...
Category
Late 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Prints
Materials
Etching
