MENTOR PLAYING ON THE LYRE 1793 John Barlow - Charles Monnet ENGRAVING

Original 1793 10 inch x 7 3/4 inch etching and engraving titled MENTOR PLAYING ON THE LYRE.

From ‘The Adventures of Telemachus’ an epic poem by the French Archbishop François Fénelon with alterations by the Rev. Mark Anthony Meilan. Mark Anthony Meilan was a writer, born about 1743, who at one time a situation in the post-office, which he resigned in order to become an instructor in private families in English, bookkeeping, and shorthand, of languages, arts, and sciences. He took orders, and for some time served the curacy of St. John, Wapping. In 1809 he was assistant minister of St. Mary, Newington, Surrey, and was apparently alive in 1816.

Engraved by John Barlow (c. 1760 - 1810). Reproductive etcher, working in London.

After Charles Monnet (1732 - c.1808). History and portrait painter and designer of book illustrations. "Peintre du Roy" to Louis XV and designer of a series of etchings of the Revolution and the history of France during the Empire. Monnet exhibited regularly at the Salon and professor of drawing at the military school founded by Napoleon at St.Cyr.

Text below image: “Mov’d with his heavenly notes, the Triton-train / The NEREIDS, and each form that swims the main, / Emerging from their grots, a depth profound / In gambols the tall vessel circle round.”

’Published as the Act directs by M.A. Meilan, April 27, 1793

Image size 5 3/4 inch x 4 7/8 inch

The engraving is in very good condition with a slight soiling at the upper edge and age related toning. Reverse side blank.