Plate 49: Orchestra, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Plate 49 of 'A New Book of Chinese Designs', consisting of a title page, index, and 120 plates, etched and published in 1754 by the British caricaturist, printseller and ornamental engraver Matthew Darly, in collaboration with George Edwards. The book consists of a variety of ornamental and costume designs of Chinese inspiration, some of them copies of the original works (including the title).
This plate consists of a design for an orchestra, with a variety of door and rail designs, different trees above it, and three levels with ceilings with pointed, scrolling edges. On the ground, three gates are separated by garlands with flowers and leaves, and at the sides are two scrolling stair cases, which lead to the first level. People stand on the different levels, some of them tending to the plants or in pairs, engaging in conversations. A bundle of roses and leaves and a winged dragon flank the ceiling of the canopy on the top.
This plate consists of a design for an orchestra, with a variety of door and rail designs, different trees above it, and three levels with ceilings with pointed, scrolling edges. On the ground, three gates are separated by garlands with flowers and leaves, and at the sides are two scrolling stair cases, which lead to the first level. People stand on the different levels, some of them tending to the plants or in pairs, engaging in conversations. A bundle of roses and leaves and a winged dragon flank the ceiling of the canopy on the top.
Artwork Details
- Title: Plate 49: Orchestra, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
- Series/Portfolio: A New Book of Chinese Designs
- Artist and publisher: Etched and published by Matthias Darly (British, ca. 1720–1780 London)
- Artist and publisher: George Edwards (British, Stratford 1694–1773 Plaistow)
- Published in: London
- Date: 1754
- Medium: Etching and engraving
- Dimensions: Plate: 7 1/2 × 9 13/16 in. (19 × 24.9 cm)
Sheet: 9 1/8 × 11 9/16 in. (23.1 × 29.3 cm)
Book: 12 in. × 9 13/16 in. × 1 3/16 in. (30.5 × 25 × 3 cm) - Classifications: Books, Prints, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1931
- Object Number: 31.88(51)
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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Multiple artists/makers
1754
Matthias Darly
Mary Darly
May 9, 1771
Matthias Darly
George Edwards
1754
Matthias Darly
George Edwards
1754
Matthias Darly
George Edwards
1754
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