La chimère de Monsieur Desprez, c. 1777-1784
Louis-Jean Desprezexpand_more
Etchingexpand_more
Gift of funds from the Print and Drawing Councilexpand_more P.84.7
Not on Viewexpand_more
An inscription that accompanied later editions of this image attests to this creature's predations: "The beast, born in the burning sands of Africa, lived in the ruined palace once belonging to Masinissa (ca. 240-148 B.C.), the former ruler of Numidia, a retreat which the chimera left only to devour animals and unwary travelers. Neither land nor sea could contain the monster, who moved ceaselessly over both in his unending hunt. Here, a blazing sun and an arch describe the chimera's African habitat; the ground is crawling with reptiles and strewn with the remains of victims."
Details
- Title
- La chimère de Monsieur Desprez
- Artist Life
- 1743 - 1804
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.84.7
- Provenance
- (Georges Martin du Nord, France); sold to MIA, 1984.
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Wollin 22 ii/v; Baudicour 6; BN 23
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our 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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