Psyche
Léon Davent—also known by the monogram L. D., as seen in the lower right corner—was one of the premier engravers associated with the School of Fontainebleau (1542–48). Under the artistic direction of the Italian painter Francesco Primaticcio, Davent and other printmakers translated drawings by leading Italian Mannerists into engravings and etchings, including those by Primaticcio himself, Michelangelo, Rosso Fiorentino, and Parmigianino. The design for this engraving has been attributed to Giulio Romano. By printing his engraving in red ink, Davent was possibly trying to achieve a visual effect similar to that of red-chalk drawings, which were popular at the French court and appealed to the discerning collectors he hoped to attract.
Artwork Details
- Title: Psyche
- Artist: Léon Davent (French, active 1540–56)
- Artist: After Giulio Romano (Italian, Rome 1499?–1546 Mantua)
- Date: ca. 1542
- Medium: Engraving
- Dimensions: Sheet (trimmed): 9 15/16 × 7 11/16 in. (25.3 × 19.5 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1959
- Object Number: 59.596.31
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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Léon Davent (French, active 1540–56)
ca. 1540–45
Léon Davent (French, active 1540–56)
ca. 1540–45
Léon Davent (French, active 1540–56)
mid-16th century
Léon Davent (French, active 1540–56)
ca. 1550–55
Léon Davent (French, active 1540–56)
mid-16th century
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