Poetry

DateCa. 1750

Publisher John Boydell

Publisher Frances Bull

Publisher William Herbert

OriginEngland, London

MediumBlack and white line engraving and etching with period color

DimensionsOH: 10 1/4" x OW: 14 1/4"; Plate: H: 9 7/8" x W: 14"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1959-430,4

DescriptionLower margin reads: "POETRY / London. Printed for & Sold by W. Herbert on London Bridge, F. Bull on Ludgate Hill & J. Boydell in Cheapside."
Label TextThis print is one in a set of five prints depicting allegorical representations of the arts and sciences including: Architecture, Astronomy, Painting, Poetry, and Sculpture. This scene represents Poetry. A group of young people have gathered in the garden of a country house. On the left side stands a monument engraved with the picture of a distinquished lookin gentleman. This could stand for any one of the famous poets of the time. A young gentleman points to this stone. Another man sits on the ground with book and quill resting on a stone admiring the monument. Beside the man are severl volumes of classic poetry. Just to the rear of this group is another consisting of two young women and a young man. The young man holds a paper out to the woman to read. On the right another young man stands, one foot on a rock, holding a book open. Just behind him carved into the garden wall is the figure of a Greek or Roman God. At the foot of this figure is a small fountain. The scene suggests great pursuit of knowledge.