Plate 51: Alcove, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Plate 51 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 alcove, with tiled floor and a platform on the center, with a design with a dragon and scrolling motifs on the back, flanked to the sides by two small chambers with windows with abstract geometric patterns and ceilings with pointed, scrolling tips and flags. To the sides, the rails extend to form two sorts of balconies, where pairs of people stand, chatting. The ceiling of the alcove is flanked by another rail, possibly for an elevated terrace above the alcove.
This plate consists of a design for an alcove, with tiled floor and a platform on the center, with a design with a dragon and scrolling motifs on the back, flanked to the sides by two small chambers with windows with abstract geometric patterns and ceilings with pointed, scrolling tips and flags. To the sides, the rails extend to form two sorts of balconies, where pairs of people stand, chatting. The ceiling of the alcove is flanked by another rail, possibly for an elevated terrace above the alcove.
Artwork Details
- Title: Plate 51: Alcove, 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 3/8 × 9 3/4 in. (18.8 × 24.8 cm)
Sheet: 9 3/16 × 11 9/16 in. (23.4 × 29.4 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(53)
- 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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