 click to enlarge |
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| Image | 1756-London-Tonson-01-008-p |
| Illustration No. | 1 |
| Illustrator | William Kent |
| Engraver | George Vertue |
| Lithographer | |
| Title Caption | PORTRAIT OF CERVANTES DE SAAVEDRA BY HIMSELF. |
| Title Supplied | |
| Part | Part I, Madrid 1605 |
| Chapter | 02. Frontispiece |
| Subject |
02.1 Portrait of Cervantes |
| Illustration Type |
Portrait |
| Technique |
Burin engraving Etching (acquaforte) |
| Color | Black and white |
| Volume | I |
| Page Number | f.p. 1 of The Life of Michael de Cervantes Saavedra |
| Image Dimension | 205 x 148 |
| Page Dimension | 287 x 225 |
| Commentary | Cervantes' portrait as a writer (holding a quill, at his library...) and as a soldier (helmet and sword on the wall).
In the background, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza represented in an ambiguous way. Are they real? (in a window) or fictitious? (in a painting). Large size figure. Drawing and engraving are excellent. This portrait will be copied time and time again. |
| Notes | 1 - Same plate from London: Tonson, 1738 Spanish edition and London: Tonson, 1742 English edition.
2 - The original caption in Spanish "RETRATO DE CERVANTES DE SAAVEDRA POR EL MISMO" has been erased and changed by one in English. 3 - William Kent's signature appears as "G. Kent". |