Pl.22  Meidias Hydria (red-figured water-jar)The most celebrated vase in the Hamilton collection.

The first great archeological event of modern times was the discovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Due to this, Naples enjoyed great popularity at the end of the 18^th century as distinguished scholars and Grand Tour visitors came to view the new excavation sites. During this period Sir William Hamilton was serving as British Ambassador to the Two Sicilies. A renowned antiquarian and connoisseur Hamilton took advantage of his position to inspect and collect a remarkable collection of vases, sculpture, paintings and carved glass. Hamilton’s extensive collections were admired and written about. While in Naples, Hamilton created a four volume work illustrated with copperplate engravings and textural descriptions of his immense collection of vases.  Entitled, Antiquities Etrusques, Grecques et Romaines, the first volume was published in 1767, the second in 1770 and the remaining two in 1776, although few complete copies reached any of the subscribers until 1780.  In all only 100 copies of each volume were issued. Single copies of the engravings circulated then (as now) among those who could not afford all four volumes of the book.  Hamilton brokered the sale of his fabulous collection of antiquities to the British Museum in 1772.  This single acquisition almost doubled the Museum's inventory and had considerable social impact and influence on contemporary English culture. The introduction of his collections are believed to have been responsible in part to the development of English neoclassical taste, influencing the works of Josiah Wedgewood, Robert Adams, and crossing the Atlantic to impact architecture and design in the new American Republic. This particular large folio engraving is a magnificent example of copperplate engraving techniques and the use of lead white highlights and is considered one of the finest engravings in the entire work.

Copperplate engraving with full original color

Matted and framed to museum specifications measuring 26” x 36”, plate size 15” x 25.”

Excellent original condition.