Shepherd boys with oxen and sheep fine 18th Century antique print

(shepherds - animanls - nature)

Issued in the mid-18th century (1700's), Europe.

(print was aquired loose & undated, as offered, our approximate dating here is speculative and is our best attempt to state it correctly).

Engraved by P. Fourdrinier.

A very appealing 18th century engraved print.

This type of richly contrasting light & dark engraved printing process was very difficult and laborious, involving long-apprenticed highly trained skillful pictorial artisans. It also involved challenging hand-operated machinery, inking of plates, sheets of paper individually hung to dry, skill, patience, and other endless tasks and labor. Because of these and various other factors, this printed leaf is an interesting original artifact from long past moment in printing.

Please view scan closely. There is an enlargeable zoom feature that allows for a close inspection . This is central to the listing. It takes precedence over any words we use. Look at the scan. Study it. Then decide .*

Sheet is in near VG condition, is lightly age-toned, still mostly clean & fresh -- appealing visually.

Could readily be displayed or collected.

In all, remains a charming antique printed image any collector, dealer or institution would be pleased to own.

Sheet measures c. 3 3/4" W x  6 1/2" H.

Engraved area measures c. 3" W x  5 1/8" H.

[E20557]

*[ note: We grade very conservatively and always seek to disclose any noteworthy flaws. We are doing our best to show & describe this item so you are happy when it arrives ].

We encourage you to print this description to keep with the image. It serves as an informal but valid Certificate of Authenticity for as long as you own it.

---------------------------------------------