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Copper Engraving of a Sapper of the Swiss Guards at the Vatican, 1779
£240
$315 · €280
Original print, not a reproduction.
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- Date
- 1779
- Sheet size
- 10.2 × 7.7 in (26 × 19.5 cm)
- Condition
- Fair. Fair condition. Small corners missing in top left and right, but the portret is intact. Overal toning due to age and handling. Small tears and wrinklers but still a very attractive portret.
- Collection
- Uniforms & regiments
- Era
- 1700 to 1789, Wars of the line
- Stock no.
- f_37491062
This original print is Johann Georg Wille's copper engraving of a Sappeur of the Swiss Guard from 1779. Wille was a notable artist and engraver known for his portraits and engravings during the 18th century.
The piece depicts a half-length portrait of a soldier in the uniform of the Swiss Guard, likely in service in Italy, perhaps even in Rome, given the connection of the Swiss Guard with the Vatican. The soldier is portrayed as a sapper or pioneer, carrying out specialized military tasks.
The dimensions of the paper and the technique used (copper engraving on paper) give a sense of the physical aspects of the artwork. The condition report indicates some minor damage but an overall good state, with some restoration work done.
It's fascinating how historical artworks like this engraving can provide insights into military attire, cultural connections, and artistic techniques of the time.
More details:
Johann Georg Wille (1715 Königsberg, Giessen, 1808 Paris): "Sapeur des gardes suisses" Portrait of a man wearing a feather-trimmed fur hat and a sash worn over his uniform, breast piece with profile to the left, 1779.
Technique: Copper engraving on Paper
Inscription: At the lower part signed in the printing plate: "Dessine et gravé par Wille Graveur du Roi". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "SAPEUR DES GARDES SUISSES ...".
Keywords: Soldier; Uniform; Man; Soldier portrait; Fur hat, 18th century, Classicism, Portraits, France, Vaticcan
Artist or Maker: Johann Georg Wille
Medium: Copper engraving
