click to enlarge |
|
Image | 1756-London-Tonson-01-018 |
Illustration No. | 1   |
Illustrator | John Vanderbank |
Engraver | Gerard van der Gucht |
Lithographer | |
Title Caption | |
Title Supplied | Scrutiny of don Quixote's library and housekeeper's fears |
Part | Part I, Madrid 1605 |
Chapter | Chapter 6 |
Subject |
6.2 Scrutiny of DQ’s library |
Illustration Type |
Chapter illustration |
Technique |
Burin engraving Etching (acquaforte) |
Color | Black and white |
Volume | I |
Page Number | f.p. 24 |
Image Dimension | 255 x 185 |
Page Dimension | 287 x 225 |
Commentary | From the whole episode, Oldfield and Vanderbank have chosen a scene where the comical situation is not caused by don Quixote's madness, but by the ignorance and superstition of the housekeeper.
In the center of the composition, the housekeeper, who "tornó luego con una escudilla de agua bendita, y un hisopo, y dijo: Tome vuestra Merced, Señor Licenciado, rocíe este aposento, no esté aquí algún encantador de los muchos que tienen estos libros, y nos encanten" (6:1); the priest, the niece and the barber listen to her. Monumental and solemn figures. The figure of the niece is worth noting. Drawing and engraving are excellent. Theatrical composition (curtains). |
Notes | 1 - Same plate from London: Tonson, 1738 Spanish edition and London: Tonson, 1742 English edition. |