A Set Of 10 Framed Prints, “the Story Of Venus,” By Jean II Cotelle, 18th Century,

An exceptional series of 10 prints by Jean II Cotelle (1648–1708) that corresponds to the compositions painted for the Jewelry Cabinet at the Château de Saint-Cloud, commissioned by Philippe de France, known as “Monsieur,” Duke of Orléans and brother of King Louis XIV; Since the château has been destroyed, only these series of period engravings allow us today to study these lost compositions. They tell the story of Venus and Aeneas; the scenes depict episodes featuring the goddess of love and her son, the Trojan hero, blending mythological love stories (such as the myth of Adonis) with the wanderings of Aeneas. Five were drawn by Cotelle, five by Nattier; the engravings are by Audran, Tardieu, Desrochers, and Dossier. Dimensions: 338 x 282 mm (inside the plate); mounted on a mat, 45 x 37 cm; in a modern frame, 58 x 50 cm. The set is in perfect condition.