3.—SOFT-GROUND ETCHING.
A very charming style of work which was much used by Bartolozzi and other engravers of his time, but now gone entirely out of use. A suitable book-plate engraved in this manner not turning up in time, the present fine example of the style was selected to illustrate the character of the work, which bears a close resemblance to a chalk drawing, and on that account offers considerable difficulties in the way of reproduction by the half-tone process. The result is, however, successful in a remarkable degree in translating the peculiar texture of the original.
Transfer, direct from Engraved plate to stone.
Two Etchings on Copper by Bewick, reproduced by process block.
From the Collection of W. H. K. Wright.
The allegorical device represents the turret-crowned goddess Cybele, “mother of a hundred gods,” standing upon an isolated rock in the sea, holding out an olive-branch, and with her attribute, the rudder, as guide and director of the destinies of cities and states; youthful figures representing the Arts and Sciences—which are the glory of a State—are disporting themselves in the clouds.
Though not originally intended for a book-plate, a friend is desirous of adopting it, with the motto from Virgil, “[Fato prudentia major]”—to intimate that, in his opinion, prudence is greater than fate.