Virtues and Forces, Pl. 66 — Nouvelle Iconologie Historique

A bold hand-coloured engraving presenting allegorical trophies of the virtues and forces in a Neoclassical architectural frame.

Original title: Diverses Vertus et diverses Forces. Drawn and engraved by Jean-Charles Delafosse. Plate 66 from Nouvelle Iconologie Historique, published by Jean-François Daumont, Paris, c. 1770.

A prominent Parisian architect, designer, and engraver, Delafosse produced influential pattern books that carried Neoclassical motifs into every branch of the decorative arts. His paired trophies of virtues and forces draw on antique sources — helmets, fasces, and laurel — refitted as ornamental vocabulary for late 18th-century interiors.

Hand-coloured copperplate engraving. Sheet approximately 45.2 × 34.1 cm. Very Good condition.