Signorum veterum icones, 1668-1669
Etchings, letterpress; bound volumeexpand_more
The Mary and Robin Campbell Fund for Art Booksexpand_more 2013.45
Not on Viewexpand_more
The 100 plates in Jan de Bisschop’s Signorum veterum icones illustrate a comprehensive survey of the antiquities most celebrated in the 17th century—the Laocoön, the Apollo Belvedere, the Hercules Farnese, the Sleeping Ariadne, and many other renowned works of art. Published in the Netherlands in 1668–69, this influential drawing manual introduced aspiring northern artists to the canon of Western art, which was predominantly Italian and thus—except to the lucky few who could travel to Italy—known largely through prints and copies. De Bisschop probably never went to Italy, so he collaborated with draftsmen like Willem Doudijns, who had lived there for twelve years.
Drawing manuals like these were common teaching tools for artists and amateurs alike, for drawing instruction began with learning to copy prints and drawings.
Details
- Title
- Signorum veterum icones
- Artist Life
- 1628–1671
- Role
- Etcher
- Accession Number
- 2013.45
- Provenance
- (James A. Bergquist, Newton Centre, Mass., bought on European art market, 2012/13); sold to MIA, 2013
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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