After Beaumont, The Valley of Inspruck, 1792, Print

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Title: "the valley of inspruck: an 18th-century engraved perspective" this elegant original antique engraving, titled "the valley of inspruck," showcases … Read more Title: "the valley of inspruck: an 18th-century engraved perspective" this elegant original antique engraving, titled "the valley of inspruck," showcases a serene view of the innsbruck valley. The artwork is delicately rendered, capturing the grandeur of the mountains and the pastoral tranquility of the valley. The print depicts a detailed landscape scene, replete with towering craggy peaks that loom over a peaceful settlement nestled in the valley. A striking feature is the contrast between the ruggedness of the natural environment and the cultivated lands and architecture, indicating a harmonious coexistence of humanity with nature. It was published as directed on january 1, 1792, by t & g egerton of whitehall for the author. Albanis beaumont is credited with the original design ('del.' for delineavit, indicating he drew the initial illustration), and cornelis apostool is noted for the engraving work ('sculp.' for sculpsit, indicating he engraved the image). The publication of this print during the late 18th century aligns with a time when there was a heightened interest in natural beauty and the picturesque, reflected in the art and literature of the romantic period. This print would have appealed to those with an appreciation for both the aesthetic and the sublime qualities of the european landscape. The publication by t & g egerton, a reputable firm known for their work in the arts, and the involvement of a skilled artist and engraver like beaumont and apostool, respectively, underline the quality and desirability of the print. It is a piece that would attract collectors of fine engravings and admirers of european landscapes, offering a window into the aesthetic values and artistic endeavors of the late 18th century. As a historical piece, this print offers a view into the past, inviting contemplation of the rich cultural and natural heritage of the innsbruck area. It is a valuable collectible for enthusiasts of antique maps and prints, as well as for those who cherish the enduring allure of the alpine regions. The print is from the following work: albanis beaumont, jean françois. Travels through the rhætian alps, in the year mdcclxxxvi. From italy to germany, through tyrol: by albanis beaumont\. The work is ornamented with ten large aqua-tinta engravings, from original designs by the author of which this print is one. 'jean françois albanis beaumont, (1755–1812), engraver and landscape painter, may have been a son of, or related to, the piedmontese artist claudio francesco beaumont (1694–1766). He was born at chambéry, entered the engineering school at mezières, and in 1775 joined the sardinian army as an engineer. At this time sardinian territory extended into what is now provence, and beaumont was working as a hydraulic engineer at nice, where he met the duke of gloucester. In 1780 the duke engaged him as a teacher of mathematics and fortifications to his children; beaumont then accompanied the dke on his travels in the alps. Beaumont himself made several crossings of the region, and on one occasion travelled westwards along the mediterranean coast into french territory. A few years later he travelled through the maritime alps from cuneo in italy to nice by the newly constructed road across the pass of lanslebourg. In the 1790s he went through the lepontine alps, from lyons to turin. Beaumont's accounts of these journeys show a lively interest in the classical history of the area. He comments on benefits he has received from the works of other scientists active in the region, such as de saussure, de luc, and pictet; he also remarks on the structural geology and mineralogy of the alpine regions and reports altitudes measured with his barometer. Published in large format, these accounts are embellished with maps drawn by himself (which he signed 'a. Beaumont, engineer') and by drawings in simple and sepia-washed versions. In the early 1790s the duke of gloucester took beaumont to london, where he remained during the french revolution. There he went into partnership with thomas gowland and employed cornelius apostool as engraver, publishing views of switzerland, mediterranean france, and piedmont. He afterwards took to landscape painting, and in 1806 exhibited a storm at sea in which the waves were considered very realistic. Under the empire he retired to la vernaz, in the haute savoie, where he reared sheep. In 1808 he was rewarded by the emperor for having acclimatized black merino sheep in that region. He died in 1812. See less