Original Antique Print of Ancient Crowns and Laurel Wreaths by Bertuch, c. 1800
Original antique hand-colored copper engraving illustrating crowns, laurel wreaths and military headdresses from classical antiquity, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” around 1800.
The plate is titled “Alterthümer IX / Antiquités IX” and presents nine different forms of ancient crowns, wreaths and honorary headgear. These objects reflect the various ways in which rank, military achievement, civic distinction and victory were represented in the ancient world.
Several examples take the form of golden crowns, while others consist of laurel or vegetal wreaths associated with victory and honor. Particularly decorative are the two military helmets, each surmounted by an elaborate animal or mythological crest.
The carefully arranged objects are delicately enhanced with original hand coloring in gold, green, pink, blue and gray. Together they form an attractive example of the renewed fascination with the material culture and symbolism of classical antiquity during the Neoclassical period.
The engraving bears the inscription “Jacob Hauer Schmuzer” at lower right.
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822) was a German publisher, writer and patron of the arts. His monumental “Bilderbuch für Kinder” (Picture Book for Children) was one of the great illustrated educational encyclopedias of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Published in Weimar from 1790 onward, the work contained hundreds of engraved and hand-colored plates covering natural history, geography, science, technology, mythology, antiquity and costumes.
A highly decorative classical print particularly suited to collectors of ancient history, Neoclassical design, heraldry and Grand Tour imagery.
Creator: Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)
Engraver: Jacob Hauer Schmuzer
Source: Bilderbuch für Kinder
Plate: Alterthümer IX / Antiquités IX
Place of Publication: Weimar, Germany
Date of Manufacture: Circa 1800
Period: Early 19th Century
Style: Neoclassical – In the Period of
Medium: Original hand-colored copper engraving on paper
Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Light age-related toning and occasional minor spotting and marks. Minor marginal wear. Original hand coloring remains attractive. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition.
Please note: This is an original antique print from circa 1800, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.
Keywords: ancient crowns, antique crown print, laurel wreath, Roman wreath, ancient Roman crowns, classical antiquity, Roman military helmet, ancient helmet, victory wreath, Neoclassical print, Grand Tour print, classical decoration, Bertuch print, Friedrich Justin Bertuch, Jacob Schmuzer, hand colored engraving, antique history print
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