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Identification and Creation

Object Number
M26158.-M26161
People
Charles-Melchior Descourtis, French (Paris, France 1753 - 1820 Paris, France)
After Jean Frédéric Schall, French (Strasbourg 1752 - 1825 Paris)
Title
Illustrations to "Paul et Virginie"
Other Titles
Series/Book Title: Illustrations to "Paul et Virginie"
Classification
Prints
Work Type
print
Date
1795-c.1798
Culture
French
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/56760

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Etching, roulette, and stipple, printed in colors
Technique
Etching and stipple engraving
Dimensions
image: 32.1 x 40.6 cm (12 5/8 x 16 in.)
Inscriptions and Marks
  • label: verso of metal secondary support, printer's ink, typography: label describing the mounting, etc: ROWLEY'S PREMIUM ENAMEL, / for the Preservation of / Engravings or Prints, either colored or plain, / Drawings, Crayon Sketches, Talbottypes and all other works of Art, / rendering them capable of being washed without injury, and safe against Fly Stains, thus forming the best possible Summer Covering. / Mr. Rowley is the inventor of this Enamel Varnish, and it has been in use on Gilt Frames and other Gilding, for the last Thirty years, in the Northern and Eastern States, and is now saving thousands of dollars yearly by avoiding the necessity of regilding. More recently, Mr. R. has applied it, and with great success, to Colored Prints and other works of Art, on paper. The prints are cemented on solid metal plates, then covered with the Enamel, rendering them almost indestructible by time, and giving them all the brilliancy and beauty of the choicest Oil Paintings. In October, 1850, a few of the above Pictures were placed in the Franklin Institute Exhibition, at the Chinese Museum, and Mr. R. was awarded a FIRST PREMIUM for his Invention, by the Institute, and the vast improvement made by Mr. R. in his Enamel and in his Art generally, since 1850, has giving [sic] it an elevated station in the catalogue of most useful inventions of the age. The pictures that are sent from all parts of the country to be enamelled, together with those constantly on hand for sale, form a most brilliant and ever varying collection, which must be seen to be appreciated, and those who delight to contemplate and study the exquisitely beautiful in Art, should not fail to call at the ASHLAND GALLERY. Admittance Free. / TERMS OF ENAMELLING ON FLAT SURFACES. --All sheets measuring less than 50 square inches $1.00; Fog [sic] sheets from 50 to 75 square inches $1.25. Sheets from 75 to 100 square inches $1.50, and all sheets measuring over 100 square inches 1 1/2 cents per square inch, or $2.16 per square foot, and all fractional inches counted a [sic] inches. [note: these prints measure @360.75 sq. in.] / FOR CONVEX SURFACE. --Double the above prices will be charged in all cases. Time required to Color and Enamel a Picture from 8 to 10 weeks. / TERMS, CASH BEFORE DELIVERY. / CAUTION: --The perspiration of the hand is very pernicious to the Enamel, therefore the face of the picture should never be handled. When the enamelled Pictures are set in Frames, the rabbit of the Frame should be rubbed over with a piece of French Chalk, to prevent the Picture from adhering to the Frame. A large assortment of the finest Foreign and American Prints constantly on hand for sale, also, exquisitely colored at short notice, by the best colorist in the country. Oil paintings neatly renovated and varnished. / N.B. --The Enamel Varnish is never sold or disposed of, only as applied. R. ROWLEY & CO., N.E. cor. 10th & Poplar Sts., 2nd Story, PHILADELPHIA. / ROWLEY'S ENAMEL POLISH, For restoring the brilliancy of Rowley's Enamel, when the surface has become dim by age or otherwise soiled. DIRECTIONS. --Wash the surface clean with a soft sponge and warm soap suds, wipe with a soft silk handkerchief, till perfectly dry. Then pour a few drops of the Polish on a Canton Flannel cloth, and rub the surface briskly until you have removed all the moisture of the Polish, and the surface will be as brilliant as when first enamelled. N.B. --This Polish is the best article ever offered to the public for restoring the beauty of varnished furniture of every description. Each ingredient composing it is nearly as elastic as India Rubber, therefore, an Oil Painting, that is cleansed and wet over with the Polish, as above, once a year, will never crack by age, or need varnishing. Its renovating properties are truly magical. [Omitted: price of Polish and repetition of shop address]

State, Edition, Standard Reference Number

Standard Reference Number
IFF, vol. VII, cat. no. 15, p. 65

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Purchase through the generosity of the Balzer Family Fund
Accession Year
2004
Object Number
M26158.-M26161
Division
European and American Art
Contact
am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu
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Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of European and American Art at am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu