c1733 Copper Plate Print Mexican Indians Festival of the Sun

Rare antique c1733 old copper plate print, which depicts a Native American Indian celebration in Honour of the Sun, according to Mexican Indian tradition.

The print is a translation into English of an earlier book, written in French, that was produced by Bernard Picart in 1723. Originally titled ‘Ceremonies et coutumes religieuses de tous les peuples du monde’ it’ it was translated as ‘Religious Ceremonies and Customs of All the Peoples of the World’, by Jean-Frederic Bernard, using the illustrations by Bernard Picart. Although Picart never left Europe, he relied on accounts by those who had, including the voyages of Captain Cook and A Moubach, who originally wrote the book. The latter marked a major turning point in European attitudes toward religious belief and hence the sacred'. It was published by Alexander Hogg in London. The laid paper print is uncoloured and in very good condition. It has been mounted, framed and glazed.

Bernard Picart (1673-1733) was a French painter and engraver. He received his art education from his father, Etienne (1632-1721), from Le Brun and Jouvenet at the Royal Academy. His talents developed rapidly. At the age of sixteen he gained honours at the Academy of Paris. He was born in Paris and died in Amsterdam.

Size image: 25.5 x 18 cm (10 x 7 inches)
Size frame: 40 x 27 x 1.3 cm (15 ¾ x 10 5/8 x ½ inches)
Weight: 720 g