Description
A large antique engraving with etching on paper by French printmaker Étienne Baudet after Francesco Albani, titled Venus and Adonis Under the Forge of Vulcan. The composition is identified as Plate 3 of 4 and belongs to Albani’s celebrated Venus cycle, commissioned in 1621 by Ferdinando Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua. The original painted cycle is now in the Musée du Louvre, Paris.

The scene depicts a classical mythological subject in which Venus, Adonis, and putti are within a mountain landscape, the composition combines movement, ornament, and allegory in the Old Master tradition. The work has strong decorative presence and would suit a library, dining room, study, stair hall, or formal interior where a large antique print can bring scale, history, and a certain “yes, I do own books heavier than some furniture” authority.

The plate bears a date of 1672 and includes visible inscriptions identifying Francesco Albani as inventor/painter and Étienne Baudet as engraver. An embossed stamp at the lower right indicates a later impression printed by Regia Calcografia, Rome’s historic state print publisher, active under that name from 1870 to 1945. Because of this later institutional stamp, the work is described conservatively as a later impression from the 1672 plate, rather than as a 17th-century impression.

Object Details

After Francesco Albani, Italian, 1578–1660
Printmaker: Étienne Baudet, French
Venus and Adonis Under the Forge of Vulcan
Plate 3 of 4
Engraving / etching on paper
Date in plate: 1672
Later impression with Regia Calcografia embossed stamp
Approximate image/sight size: 23" H × 26" W
Approximate framed size: 27.5" H × 30.5" W
Framed under Tru Vue Premium Clear Acrylic
Black mat, visibly faded
Watermark described as horseman/centaur with flag within a double-bordered circle

Condition Description

Antique work on paper with visible age and condition issues. The sheet shows visible toning, some waviness or undulation, and minor spotting/marks in the margins. The frame shows age-related wear. The work is framed under glass with a black mat, which is visibly faded.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description. Sold as found and as shown.

Purchase Details

Price: $200
Shipping quoted separately. This is a large framed antique work on paper and may incur Oversize Shipping Fee depending on the carrier. Combined shipping available. Please inquire for additional photographs, condition details, or a shipping estimate.