TELEMACHUS IN THE CHARIOT RACE AT CRETE 1792 John Barlow - Debrie ENGRAVING

Original 1792 10 inch x 7 3/4 inch etching and engraving titled TELEMACHUS IN THE CHARIOT RACE AT CRETE.

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 Guillaume Francois Laurent Debrie. Debrie was a burin engraver and illustrator of books active in France, the Netherlands and Portugal in the eighteenth century.

Text below image: “With indignation flashing in his eye, / San Crantor now, my car his own draw nigh, / And putting forth each nerve to win the day, / Moves every Being of supernal sway.”

’Published as the Act directs by M.A. Meilan, Nov’r 20th, 1792

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.