Paradise lost - Magnificent image found

Martin, J. [and J. Milton]

Paradise lost. Satan viewing the Ascent to Heaven. Large(st) mezzotint plate from the large-size edition.

Published [1824]-1827
Item ID 76933
€950.00

excl. VAT

London, Septimus Prowett, [1824]-1827. Folio (52.5 x 36.6 cm). Mezzotint plate (printed surface ca. 35 x 25 cm).

A magnificent proof-plate from the very rare folio edition with much larger sheets than those in the "usual" quarto editions (of which the largest was ca. 27 x 37 cm), and with the plates in the larger of two states (both sets separately engraved by Martin). This wonderfully detailed plate with Rembrandtesque light and shadows, illustrates Milton's Book 3, line 501. Satan viewing the Ascent to Heaven. John Martin (1789-1854) was an English Romantic painter, engraver and illustrator. He was celebrated for his typically vast and melodramatic paintings of religious subjects and fantastic compositions, populated with minute figures placed in imposing landscapes. Martin's paintings, and the prints made from them, enjoyed great success with the general public - in 1821 Thomas Lawrence referred to him as "the most popular painter of his day...Martin began to experiment with mezzotint technology, and as a result was commissioned to produce 24 engravings for a new edition of Paradise Lost - perhaps the definitive illustrations of Milton’s masterpiece" (Wikipedia). "The poem concerns the biblical story of the Fall of Man: the temptation of Adam and Eve by the fallen angel Satan and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Milton's purpose, stated in Book I, is to "justify the ways of God to men." (Wikipedia). Part of the original, corresponding text by Milton neatly written in an old hand below the printed caption. Light, scattered, mostly marginal foxing, otherwise in excellent condition.

Very flexible return policy
Secure payments by Adyen
Sent in 2 business days with Track & Trace
We are members of ILAB-LILA and NVvA

Recently Viewed

Advanced Search