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D2006-CMD-008
GEORGIUS DIONYSIUS EHRET
D2006-CMD-008

GEORGIUS DIONYSIUS EHRET

Date1748-1767
Publisher
Maker 1690 - 1770
OriginEurope, Germany, Augsburg
MediumBlack and white line engraving with some burin work
DimensionsOH: 21" x OW: 14 1/4"; Plate: H: 15 7/8" x W: 10 1/2"
Credit LineGift of Virginia Lascara
Object number2000-74
DescriptionArch around the portrait reads: "GEORGIUS DIONYSIUS EHRET/ HEIDELBERGA-PALATINUS/ ACAD.CAES.N.CUR.ET REG.SOCIETAT.SCIENT.LONDINEN--/ SII SOCIUS BOTANICUS ET STIRPIUM PICTOR/ EGREGIUS Nat.d.Ianuar.1708."
Along the bottom edge of the plate: "A. Heckell delin./ J.J. Haid excud. A.V."Label TextThis print depicts the botanaical illustrator George Dioysius Ehret (1708-1770). The portrait is based on an unfinished self-portrait of Ehret. He is sitting or standing against a table or flat surface drawing the flower that he holds in his left hand. He is gazing out towards the viewer. Surrounding him on all sides is an architectural detail or archway with rococo ornamentation. Below the writing surface is more rococo decoration including a shell and floral garland; to the right is a pilaster with a vase and flower.
Provenance1999, [sold, Christie’s, Amsterdam, “Art and Antiques from German Noble Houses,” March 24, 1999]; 1999, purchased by Virginia Lascara (Yorktown, VA); 2000-present, given to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).