“Armiger et Ephebus Indi” — Hand-Coloured Engraving from the Grand Carrousel of 1662
An exceptional hand-coloured copperplate engraving from the celebrated Grand Carrousel held at the Tuileries in Paris in 1662 under Louis XIV. This engraving, titled “Armiger et Ephebus Indi” (The Armiger and Youth, Indians), forms part of the historic series Courses de Testes et de Bagues, published in 1670 to commemorate the elaborate equestrian festivities marking the birth of the Dauphin.
Richly detailed and theatrically imagined, the plate depicts two costumed horsemen in stylised “Indian” attire, rendered with vivid watercolour and highlighted with silver embellishments. These fantastical portrayals were emblematic of the Baroque fascination with exoticism and royal spectacle. Mounted in a period-style hand-lined mount and presented in a moulded gilt frame, this example retains the label of noted Brussels print dealer J. van de Weghe, active mid-20th century in the Grand Sablon district. The work is believed to be an early hand-coloured impression on laid paper. Condition: Very good overall with minor toning appropriate to age. Vibrant original colouring with delicate silver accents. Mount and frame in good condition. There is some slight foxing to the paper and discolouration commensurate with age. Provenance: Label verso: Gravures Anciennes, J. van de Weghe, Grand Sablon, Bruxelles
