Set of three antique engravings depicting the allegories of the three elements. 19th Century.
1- Engraving titled “The Water”, part of a series of prints that represents the allegories of the four elements. The engraving, derived from the canvas painted by Francesco Albani for Cardinal Maurizio di Savoia in 1633. In the center is Venus on a chariot shaped like a shell pulled by cupids. Neptune and other nymphs and tritons are depicted on the right, while flying cupids hold a drape as a sail.
It bears the inscriptions ALBANI DIP – BUSATTO DIS.- LAURO INC. (LAURO AGOSTINO 1806 - Turin 1878).
2- Engraving titled “The Air”. The engraving derives from the canvas painted by Francesco Albani. The allegory depicts the Roman goddess Juno, queen of the gods and of the air, traveling on a chariot pulled by peacocks, her animal symbol. She is surrounded by nymphs and cupids, with the god of the winds, Aeolus, visible in the lower right, trying to block a group of putti.
It bears the inscriptions AFTER ALBANI – MASUTTI DIS. – LAURO INC. (LAURO AGOSTINO 1806 – Turin, 1878).
3- Engraving titled “JUPITER IN VULCANO'S FORGE”. The engraving derives from the canvas painted by Francesco Albani.
It bears the inscriptions ALBANI DIP- MASUTTI DIS- CARELLI INC.
(Engraver: Carelli Giacomo (1812/1887) Designer: Masutti Antonio (1813/1895) Inventor: Albani Francesco (1578/1660)
Measurements cm. 53X53 each