Telemus by Santi Pacini

Telemus by Santi Pacini

c.1792

Engraving

A full-length portrait of the mythological seer Telemus anchors the center of this 18th-century black-and-white copperplate engraving. Titled "TELEMUS" along the lower margin, the print depicts the famed prophetic figure standing as a bearded warrior clad in ornate Roman military armor. Telemus is known in classical lore for foretelling that the Cyclops Polyphemus would be blinded by Odysseus. He holds a folded scroll aloft in his right hand while resting his left hand on his hip, flanked by a leafy tree, stalks of wheat, and a dense pile of discarded battle gear containing shields, a helmet, and spears. The entire scene is enclosed within a highly decorative, wide border composed of repeating laurel leaf wreaths and classical geometric trim. The lower corners attribute the original composition to the Italian draftsperson Santi Pacini on the left ("Sanctes Pacini del.") and the plate engraving to Francesco Allegrini on the right ("F. Allegrini inc.").

This engraving reflects the profound 18th-century European fascination with classical antiquity and the visual reconstruction of ancient literary figures. Created during a period when aristocratic collectors and scholars eagerly built expansive libraries of historical prints, this work showcases the sophisticated collaborative printmaking networks of Italy. Artists like Santi Pacini and Francesco Allegrini specialized in translating classical narratives into accessible, highly detailed two-dimensional portraits that blended historical armor studies with allegorical landscapes. Prints like this hold significant historical importance because they served a dual purpose, functioning both as high-status decorative art for grand European estates and as vital academic reference tools used by Enlightenment-era scholars to study classical mythology, literature, and design.

Dimensions: H 16 ½” x 13”W

Condition: Slight smudge on left edge