Explore Collections
You are here:
CollectionsOnline
/
The Harmony between History and Poetry
Browse
John Dean (1754 - 1802), engraver
After Giovanni Francesco Romanelli (1610 - 1662)
After Giovanni Francesco Romanelli (1610 - 1662)
The Harmony between History and Poetry
1786
Mezzotint
Inscription: Lettered below the image The Harmony between Poetry and History / From the orignal picture at Wilton House in the collection of the Earl of Pembroke to whom this Plate is respectfully inscribed / by His Lordship's oblig'd and obed't servt John Dean and Painted by Romanelli. / Publish'd Jan.y 31st 1786, by Jn.o Dean, No: 12, Bentinck Street Soho. / Engrav'd by Jn.o Dean.
Museum number: P423
Not on display
Curatorial note
The allegorical figure of Poetry is sitting on the left, gazing upwards and holding a quill pen in her right hand and supporting a book with her left hand. History stands beside her, with her back to the viewer and her head crowned with a laurel wreath. She gazes into the face of Poetry and is poised to begin writing, her paper resting on a board she is holding in her left hand. Above them is a cupid carrying the ouroboros (a snake with its tail in its mouth) and a trumpet whilst behind them to the left is a column decorated with a frieze depicting military scenes.
Soane collections online is being continually updated. If you wish to find out more or if you have any further information about this object please contact us: worksofart@soane.org.uk