Isle of Vendicari Antiquities and Method of Making Rope in Avola,Sicily, 1776 Historical Prints

Published by Voyage pittoresque des isles de Sicile, de Malte et de Lipari

About this Item

Approximate Overall Size: 14 ins x 10 1/2 ins. Images 9 1/2 x5 ins and 9 1/2 x 8 ins. Blank on the back . Prints are pasted on top of a heavy card. Print is in excellent condition and have age related patina . This sepia-toned print comprises two distinct yet thematically linked scenes derived from original compositions by Jean-Pierre Louis Laurent Hou?l, a prominent French painter and graphic artist known for his grand tour depictions of southern Italy and Sicily between 1776 and 1779. The upper illustration, captioned ?Antiquit?s de l?Isle de Vindicari? (Antiquities of the Isle of Vendicari), presents an evocative view of classical ruins amidst a tranquil coastal landscape, likely referencing the remnants of ancient structures on the Sicilian coast, near Noto. The scene conveys both the picturesque decay and enduring legacy of classical civilization, with architectural fragments and figures engaging with the site, one lifting a stone slab, suggestive of either excavation or study. The lower image, titled ?Maniere de faire de la Corde ? Avola avec des Jummaras et autres herbes qui croissent en Sicile? (Method of Making Rope in Avola with Jummaras and Other Herbs that Grow in Sicily), is a lively ethnographic tableau illustrating traditional rope-making practices. Centered around a large tree, three figures actively twist fibrous plants, identified as ?jummaras? (likely agave or other native Sicilian species), while another seated woman assists. The background includes a rustic hut and villagers, emphasizing local customs and daily life. These engravings, attributed to the designs and execution of Hou?l and possibly published in his celebrated ?Voyage pittoresque des isles de Sicile, de Malte et de Lipari,? serve both documentary and artistic functions, capturing the region?s archaeological wealth and cultural practices during the Enlightenment era?s surge of antiquarian and ethnographic interest. NOTE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE YOU PURCHASE: This is a GENUINE VINTAGE/ANTIQUE PRINT. It is NOT a modern reproduction, ie. a laser scan, photocopy etc. It is the original from the vintage/antique publication. This print was published on the date mentioned, or circa of the date mentioned at the top of the page. The term "print" is referred to an image on a piece of paper. The print I have for sale, like many vintage/antique prints that you see online, originate from an antique or vintage book or atlas publication. The publication may not always be known. If you have any questions, emails are welcome.

Seller Inventory # 55569

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Isle of Vendicari Antiquities and Method of Making Rope in Avola,Sicily, 1776 Historical Prints
• Publisher: Voyage pittoresque des isles de Sicile, de Malte et de Lipari
• Binding: no binding
• Condition: very good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Historical World Views
  • Travel & Exploration
  • Italy