Obelisk of the Minerva
| Reference: | S48503 |
| Author | Jean GOUJON |
| Year: | 1546 |
| Zone: | Piazza della Minerva |
| Printed: | Paris |
| Measures: | 175 x 245 mm |
€375.00
| Reference: | S48503 |
| Author | Jean GOUJON |
| Year: | 1546 |
| Zone: | Piazza della Minerva |
| Printed: | Paris |
| Measures: | 175 x 245 mm |
€375.00
Description
Representation of the Obelisk of Minerva in Rome, carved by Jean Goujon to illustrate the French translation of the most famous book of the Renaissance, Hypnerotomachie, ou Discours du songe de Poliphile, deduisant comme Amour le combat à l’occasion de Polia. Soubz la fiction de quoy l’aucteur monstrant que toutes choses terrestres ne sont que vanité, traicte de plusieurs matieres profitables, & dignes de memoire. Nouvellement traduict de langage Italien en François by Francesco Colonna [Paris: Louis Blaublom (Cyaneus) for Jacques I Kerver, August 20, 1546].
First French edition of this archaeological-architectural novel, richly illustrated with woodcuts based on those drawn for the first edition (Venice, 1499), with the addition of fourteen new subjects.
The editor, Jean Martin (ca. 1507-1553), a self-styled “studieux d'architecture,” was working, almost simultaneously, on French translations of architectural treatises by Serlio, Vitruvius, and Alberti, and here he explains much architectural terminology. New woodcuts of formal buildings and gardens are inserted, and architectural or ancient elements are included in some. The book fuels antiquarian fantasies and becomes a kind of model book for designers of ephemeral architecture and garden art.
The woodcut blocks were cut by multiple carvers, one of whom appears to be Jean Goujon, the illustrator of Martin's translation of Vitruvius (1547).
Woodcut, in very good condition. Very rare.
Jean GOUJON (Normandia, 1510 circa – Bologna, 1568 circa)
|
Jean Goujon (Normandy, c. 1510 - Bologna, c. 1568) was a French sculptor and architect. The greatest sculptor and one of the most representative artists of the French Renaissance. His life is little known, especially about the period of his training. He probably traveled as a young man to Italy. His earliest works are documented from 1540, when he made bas-reliefs in the château d'Écouen, the doors of the church of Saint-Maclou, and the tomb of Louis de Brézé in Rouen. Around 1544, in Paris, he collaborated with architect Pierre Lescot on the Church of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois for which he made some bas-reliefs. In 1547 he became “sculptor to the king,” Henry II, and for the court he executed his best-known works such as the sculptural decorations executed around 1550, again collaborating with architect Pierre Lescot, for the extension of the Louvre Palace, giving a decidedly Mannerist feel to the building. Of particular note is Goujon's work in the Cour Carrée with the large bas-reliefs in the attic. In 1562, being of the Reformed religion, he took refuge in Bologna. The date of his death is unknown; perhaps he was killed during the massacre of St. Bartholomew. Goujon's sculptures are characterized by sensuous, flowing figures and reveal knowledge of ancient statuary and the influence of Italian Mannerist artists present at Fontainebleau. His work, also disseminated through prints from the Fontainebleau school, influenced sculpture and decorative arts in France until the 18th century. Goujon is also the author of the engravings illustrating the first French edition of Vitruvius' De architectura translated by Jean Martin (1547).
|
Jean GOUJON (Normandia, 1510 circa – Bologna, 1568 circa)
|
Jean Goujon (Normandy, c. 1510 - Bologna, c. 1568) was a French sculptor and architect. The greatest sculptor and one of the most representative artists of the French Renaissance. His life is little known, especially about the period of his training. He probably traveled as a young man to Italy. His earliest works are documented from 1540, when he made bas-reliefs in the château d'Écouen, the doors of the church of Saint-Maclou, and the tomb of Louis de Brézé in Rouen. Around 1544, in Paris, he collaborated with architect Pierre Lescot on the Church of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois for which he made some bas-reliefs. In 1547 he became “sculptor to the king,” Henry II, and for the court he executed his best-known works such as the sculptural decorations executed around 1550, again collaborating with architect Pierre Lescot, for the extension of the Louvre Palace, giving a decidedly Mannerist feel to the building. Of particular note is Goujon's work in the Cour Carrée with the large bas-reliefs in the attic. In 1562, being of the Reformed religion, he took refuge in Bologna. The date of his death is unknown; perhaps he was killed during the massacre of St. Bartholomew. Goujon's sculptures are characterized by sensuous, flowing figures and reveal knowledge of ancient statuary and the influence of Italian Mannerist artists present at Fontainebleau. His work, also disseminated through prints from the Fontainebleau school, influenced sculpture and decorative arts in France until the 18th century. Goujon is also the author of the engravings illustrating the first French edition of Vitruvius' De architectura translated by Jean Martin (1547).
|