Le Printemps, G.110(2), Abraham Bosse, circa 1637

Author(s): bosse, abraham (tours, between 1602 and 1604 - paris, between 14–02–1676 and 16–2–1676), engraver bosse, abraham (tours, between 1602 and 1604 - paris, between 14–02–1676 and 16–2–1676), designer le blond, jean 1er (in 1666), editor other title: the four seasons: spring (dummy title) date of production: around 1637 dating in century: 2nd quarter of the 17th century type(s) of object(s): graphic arts, print name(s): print materials and techniques: etching dimensions - artwork: height: 25. 7cm width: 32. 7cm description: plate 1 of a series of four plates entitled "the four seasons". Marks, inscriptions, hallmarks: letter - on the front, at the bottom, from left to right, printed in ink: "abosse in et fe. "; "spring. "; "the blond excuses with privilege du roy. ". Legend - on the front, at the bottom, printed in ink, verses: "the spirit and the eyes are constant, / to see painted in this figure, / where art equals nature, / all the beauties of spring. // here is seen a fountain / whose crystal is always clear; / and zephir perfumes the air / by the sweetness of his breath. // flowers in these beautiful places closed / loves are the gardeners; / and collect full baskets / of lilies, carnations, and roses. // but these gardens, although charming, / have nothing equal or similar / to the pleasures of these two lovers, / whose love is incomparable. Stamp - on the front, bottom center, in black ink: "carnavalet" stamp - on the front, bottom right, two superimposed stamps, in red ink and purple ink: "ville / de / paris" (cf. Lugt suppl. 2012c). Collector's mark - on the reverse, bottom left, monogram of jules michelin (lugt 1490) inventory number - on the front, bottom right, in ink: "r. G:110" iconographic description: gallant scene. Allegorical composition. Time of youth and love. A gallant offers a tulip to his mistress whose hand he has taken. In front of them a cupid, kneeling, his bow at his feet, picks flowers from among those in a basket placed next to him. Gallery opening onto a french garden at the bottom of which is a temple dedicated to love. Cartouche composed of flowers. Frame composed of garlands separated by rosettes. Architecture. 17th century fashion. Themes / subjects / places represented: allegorical scene mode of acquisition: purchase date of acquisition: 1886 institution: carnavalet museum, history of paris inventory number: g. 110 part of: the four seasons. Date: circa 1637.