Mantelpiece with Narcissus

Abraham Bosse (1604-1676) after a design by Jean Barbet (c. 1591-1650), etching, 1633

Architect Jean Barbet was commissioned to make drawings of buildings in and around Paris, which were then engraved by Abraham Bosse and published as a series. It only included mantelpieces and altars. By choosing a story from Ovid’s Metamorphoses as the subject for a mantelpiece, the occupant of the residence displayed their familiarity with classical literature.

  • Artwork typeprint, ornamentprent
  • Object numberRP-P-1955-437
  • Dimensionsheight 206 mm x width 135 mm