Philosophy and Prelature — Nouvelle Iconologie Historique

An imposing Neoclassical allegory pairing Philosophy and Prelacy, framed by Delafosse's signature monumental architecture and emblematic attributes.

Original title: La Philosophie. La Prelature. Designed and engraved by Jean-Charles Delafosse. From Nouvelle Iconologie Historique ou Attributs Hieroglyphiques. Published in Paris by Jean-François Daumont, c. 1768–1773.

Delafosse (1734–1789) was a leading French ornemaniste whose pattern books distilled the early Neoclassical goût grec into reusable allegorical compositions. His Nouvelle Iconologie codified abstract ideas — virtues, professions, nations — through architectural trophies and personifications, supplying motifs for furniture-makers, bronziers, and architects across Europe.

Hand-coloured copperplate engraving. Sheet approximately 47.3 × 35.2 cm. Very Good.