Description
Some artworks aren’t just decorative — they’re bridges to another time. This original 18th-century engraving of Venus on horseback belongs to the legendary collection Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte, a monumental eight-volume publication documenting the findings of the archaeological excavations at Herculaneum, the ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.
Printed in Naples between the 18th and early 19th centuries, these engravings became a vital reference in the history of classical art and archaeology. And this particular scene — Venus, goddess of love and beauty, gracefully mounted on a mythological horse — captures the poetic movement and symbolic richness of Greco-Roman mythology with exquisite detail.
The piece is elegantly framed in distressed grey-green wood, surrounded by a delicately carved and gilded inner frame. The contrast between the muted frame and the golden beading creates a visual harmony that elevates the artwork without overpowering it — perfect for adding depth and soul to any curated space.
Whether you’re a collector of classical engravings, a lover of antique Neapolitan prints, or someone searching for historically rich wall art, this piece carries both aesthetic and emotional value. It tells not just a myth — but the story of how the ancient world was rediscovered, line by line, by the artists and historians of the Enlightenment.
Measurements:
Width: 34.5 cm
Height: 29.5 cm
Frame: grey-green painted wood with gilded carved details
This post is also available in: Spanish
