Chromeolithograph Bathroom of Cardinal Bibbiena in Vatican by Raphael d'Urbino

Description

#25391-HAR1C
"Lewis Gruner - Original 1850 Chromolithograph. Paintings from the Bath Room of Cardinal Bibbiena in the Vatican by Raphael D'urbino.' Plate no. 77 of ' Specimens of Ornamental Art, selected from the best models of the classical epochs' by Lewis Gruner (1801-1882) with descriptive text by Emil Braun. With blindstamp of the Leicester Free Library. To view all pages from 'Specimens of Ornamental Art' available in our collection, click here. Unsigned. On wove. Condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration. Losses to bottom right corner and tear to right edge. Images are unaffected.

Born in Desden, Lewis (Ludwig) Gruner (1801-1882) became Prince Albert's trusted advisor on art and design, particularly concerning details on the noted Crystal Palace, and potential acquisitions for the newly formed South Kensington Museum, which was to become the Victoria & Albert Museum in 1852. In addition, Gruner was mentor to Owen jones, whose massive book production, which included his popular treatise entitled 'The Grammar of Ornament', influenced the very nature of colour plate printing and Victorian book design. In his biography entitled 'Victorian Book Design & Colour Printing' (University California Press, 1972), Ruari McLean states, in Lewis Gruner's 'Specimens of Ornamental Art', many of the polychromatic plates are the finest yet seen in Britain, the craftsmanship to produce which must have rivalled that of the original artists, who include Giotto and Michelangelo. Dedicated to Prince Albert, the expressed purpose of the work was to provide examples of design and ornament for industry, and is clearly one of the most impressive achievements of mid-Victorian colour printing.

Condition

Very Good - Some discolored spots; see pictures

Dimensions

31” x 23.5” x 1.25” / Sans Frame - 24.5” x 17” (Width x Height x Depth)