• Title : Mary II depicted as Diana
• Date : 1878
• Condition: (A+) Fine Condition
• Ref:  22399
• Size: 14in x 9 1/2in (350mm x 240mm) 

Description: 
This fine, original antique print of A Young Princess Mary II by the master etcher Augustin Mongin - signature engraved at the base of the print - after Sir Peter Lely was engraved and published in the 1878 edition of The Portfolio.
These faithful re-engravings of classic and historical wood-cuts were faithfully re-issued by in the mid to late 19th century. Such is the quality of his re-strikes these prints are now in major institutional collections such a the Louvre, National Gallery, The Met and many other famous Galleries. Please see below for further background.

General Description: 
Paper thickness and quality: - Heavy & stable
Paper color: - Off white
Age of map color: - 
Colors used: - 
General color appearance: - 
Paper size: - 14in x 9 1/2in (350mm x 240mm)
Margins: - Min 1in (25mm)

Imperfections:
Margins: - None
Plate area: - None
Verso: - None 

Background:
Augustin Mongin:
A nineteenth century French painter and etcher, Augustin Mongin studied art in Paris under Gaucherel. He first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1874 and during the following years received medals in 1876, 1885, 1887 and 1889. Augustin Mongin was elected to the Societe des Artistes Francais in 1887 and, in 1900, was awarded both the Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur and the medaille d'honneur. In his etchings, Augustin Mongin was best known for his for works after the art of old masters such as Karel du Jardin, Reynolds and Peter Lely. He was also commissioned by publishers in both France and England for etchings after contemporary artists, such as H. G. Glindoni.

Princess Mary is depicted as Diana, the goddess of hunting; in this guise she carries a bow, wears a crescent moon and is followed by a greyhound. Her rich silk gown recalls the dresses worn by the Windsor Beauties series in the Royal Collection painted by Lely. The landscape background reminds us of the work of Titian, whom the artist admired.