Alexander Runciman, born on August 15, 1736, in Edinburgh, was a Scottish painter of historical and mythological subjects. He was the elder brother of John Runciman, also a painter. He studied at the Foulis Academy, Glasgow and from 1750–62, he was apprenticed to the landscape painter Robert Norie, later becoming a partner in the Norie family firm. He also worked as a stage painter for the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh. In 1767, he went to Rome, where he spent five years. His brother John accompanied him but died in Naples in the winter of 1768–69. During Runciman's stay in Italy, he became acquainted with other artists such as Henry Fuseli and the sculptor Johan Tobias Sergel. Runciman's earliest efforts had been in the landscape and he turned to historical and imaginative subjects, exhibiting his Nausicaä at Play with her Maidens in 1767 at the Free Society of British Artists, Edinburgh. On his return from Italy after a brief time in London, he exhibited in the Royal Scottish Academy in 1772. He settled in Edinburgh and was appointed master of the Trustees Drawing Academy. He was patronized by Sir James Clerk, whose hall at Penicuik House he decorated with a series of subjects from Ossian. He also created various religious paintings and an altar-piece in the Scottish Episcopal Church, Edinburgh and easel pictures of Cymon and Iphigenia, Sigismunda Weeping over the Heart of Tancred and Agrippina with the Ashes of Germanicus. In 1773, he was listed as sharing a studio with Mr. McLarin at the foot of Old Assembly Close, Royal Mile. He enjoyed a strong reputation as a landscape painter in his lifetime. Some of his works, due to their spontaneity, the vigor of style, color and unorthodox composition, place him as an early exponent of modern art. Keith Ralph studied under Alexander Runciman. Runciman died on October 4, 1785, in Edinburgh and is buried in Canongate Churchyard. The grave is unmarked but a stone plaque was erected by the RSA in 1866 on the west-facing wall of the church to honor his memory and also commemorating his brother John who died in Naples.
"Perseus and Andromeda" figurative black and white mythology scene figurative
By Alexander Runciman
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Perseus and Andromeda" is an etching by Scottish artist Alexander Runciman, signed in plate to the lower left. It depicts Perseus on the left sw...
Etching
$1,500
18th century etching figurative neoclassical mythology scene dynamic
By Alexander Runciman
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Cormar Attacking a Spirit on the Waters" is an etching by eighteenth-century Scottish artist Alexander Runciman, signed in plate on the lower edge of the etching, "ARunciman inv. & ...
Etching, Paper, Ink
18th century etching figurative royalty wedding scene print black and white
By Alexander Runciman
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"The Marriage of Saint Margaret and King Malcolm" is an etching by Scottish artist Alexander Runciman. There is an engraved signature with the artist's monogram followed by "pinxit et fecit," indicating that Runciman both designed the original drawing and likely executed the etching on the metal plate. On the left, a young woman with a halo in fine dress stoops slightly and gathers her skirts as she leans over to accept the ring that the man on the right is reaching to place upon her finger. He is also young, dressed finely, and wearing a crown. Between them, a church official with a pointed hat and a long flowing beard recites the appropriate prayers for the occasion, while onlookers crowd in the background. The tiled floor demonstrates the use of one-point perspective, and the church appears to be in the Gothic style. Art size: 8 3/4" x 7 1/4" Frame size: 26 1/2" x 22 3/8" Alexander Runciman (Edinburgh 15 August 1736 – 4 October 1785 Edinburgh) was a Scottish painter of historical and mythological subjects. He was the elder brother of John Runciman, also a painter. He was born in Edinburgh, and studied at the Foulis Academy, Glasgow, and from 1750 to 1762 he was apprenticed to the landscape painter Robert Norie, later becoming a partner in the Norie family firm. He also worked as a stage painter for the Theatre Royal in Edinburgh. In 1767, he went to Rome, where he spent five years. His brother John accompanied him, but died in Naples in the winter of 1768–69. During Runciman's stay in Italy he became acquainted with other artists such as Henry Fuseli and the sculptor Johan Tobias Sergel...
Etching
$2,875
H 22.25 in W 17.38 in
Chamomile & Safflower: A 17th-18th C. Besler Hand-colored Botanical Engraving
Located in Alamo, CA
This is a hand-colored copper plate engraving entitled "Chamemelum Romanum flore simplici (Chamomile), Cincus Sativus (False saffron, Safflower), Chamaemelum Romanum Flore (Roman Chamomile)", depicting flowering Chamomile, Safflower and Roman Chamomile plants respectively from Basilius Besler's landmark work, Hortus Eystettensis (Garden at Eichstatt), first published in 1613 in Eichstatt, Germany near Nuremberg and later in 1640 and 1713. This beautiful colorful engraving is printed on thin laid chain-linked paper with wide margins. There are a few small spots and some irregularity of the lower edge. There is some bleed-through of text from the verso. The print is otherwise in excellent condition with striking hand-coloring. The sheet measures 22.25" high and 17.38" wide. Basilius Besler (1561–1629) was an apothecary and botanist. He was curator of the Willibaldsburg Castle garden of Johann Konrad von Gemmingen, prince bishop...
Engraving
$1,200
H 14.88 in W 13.88 in
The Crucifixion (Christ on the Cross) /// Jesus after Albrecht Dürer Old Masters
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Lambrecht Hopfer (German, Active c. 1525-1550) Title: "The Crucifixion (Christ on the Cross)" Portfolio: (after) The Engraved Passion *Issued unsigned, though monogram signed by Hopfer in the plate (printed signature) lower right Circa: 1530, (published c. 1690, second state of three) Medium: Original Etching on laid paper Limited edition: Unknown Printer: The Hopfer family, Augsburg, Germany; (David Funck, Nuremberg, Germany) Publisher: The Hopfer family, Augsburg, Germany; (David Funck, Nuremberg, Germany) Framing: Recently framed, the sheet is floated over, and top-matted with a 100% cotton fabric rag mat from Holland in a wood moulding and Museum glass Framed size: 14.88" x 13.88" Sheet size: 5.5" x 3.63" Reference: Bartsch No. VIII.527.12; Hollstein No. 12.II Condition: Trimmed to platemark. A few tiny professional repairs: at elbow of Jesus's right arm and the inside thigh of Jesus. Some light skinning upper right corner and lower right area. It is otherwise a strong impression in good condition Very rare Notes: Provenance: private collection - Green Bay, WI; acquired from Sotheby's, New York, NY in c. 2015. The artist Lambrecht Hopfer's printed monogram signature "LH" lower right. The printer/publisher David Funck's (plate) number "182" lower right. This etching is after Albrecht Dürer’s 1511 engraving "The Crucifixion (Christ on the Cross)", ("Dürer-Katalog" - Meder No. 13, page 73). Printed in black from an iron plate. The image depicts Christ on the cross at center, the Virgin at left, two Maries behind her, St. John standing at right, a Roman solider behind him. It is after the eleventh plate of Dürer's sixteen plates from his 1507-1513 "The Engraved Passion" series, ("Dürer-Katalog" - Meder No. 3-18, page 70-74). "The print was originally designed without the number engraved in the lower margin (First state: Lambrecht Hopfer, c. 1530). The Hopfers' descendant David Funck (Nuremberg, 1642–1705) acquired over two hundred of their original iron plates, engraved numbers into them, and re-printed them around 1686-1700. The "182" indicates that "The Crucifixion" was the 182nd print in Funck’s series (Second state: David Funck, c. 1686-1700). About a century later, 92 of these plates were acquired by Carl Wilhelm Silberberg in Frankfurt and printed for the third and final time in the book "Opera Hopferiana", of which "The Crucifixion" was the 90th print (Third state: Carl Wilhelm Silberberg for "Opera Hopferiana", 1802)". - Elizabeth Upper, Cambridge University Library, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK Biography: Lambrecht (Lambert) Hopfer (Active c. 1525-1550) was a German Old Masters printmaker. He was the brother of Hieronymus Hopfer (Active c. 1520-1530) and son of Daniel Hopfer...
Etching, Laid Paper
$900
H 22.5 in W 16.63 in
Vespera; Der Abend (Evening; The Evening) /// Johann Daniel Preissler Old Master
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: (after) Johann Daniel Preissler (German, 1666-1737) Title: "Vespera; Der Abend (Evening; The Evening)" Portfolio: Die Vier Tageszeiten (The Four Times of Day) Year: 1723 Medium: Original Etching and Engraving on laid paper Limited edition: Unknown Printer: likely Johann Balthasar Probst, Augsburg, Germany Publisher: Jeremias Wolff (Erben), Augsburg, Germany Sheet size: 22.5" x 16.63" Image size: 17.38" x 13.63" Reference: Le Blanc No. 255, 38; Nagler No. 23 Condition: Soft handling creases and folds to sheet. Some scattered foxmarks in left margin. Two small tears skillfully repaired from verso in margins. Has been professionally stored away for decades. It is otherwise a strong impression in good condition with full margins Extremely rare Notes: Provenance: private collection - Aspen, CO. Engraved by German artist Johann Balthasar Probst (1673-1750) after a drawing by German artist Johann Daniel Preissler (1666-1737). Comes from Preissler's 1723 "Die Vier Tageszeiten (The Four Times of Day)" portfolio of four etchings and engravings. Printed from one copper plate in one color: black. Descriptions of the portrayed image are printed in Latin and German. Biography: Johann Daniel Preissler, or Preisler (1666–1737) was a German painter and director of Nuremberg's Academy of Fine Arts. He was a notable member of a German artistic family, originating in Bohemia. His children included Johann Justin Preissler (1698–1771), Georg Martin Preisler (1700–1754), Barbara Helena Preisler (1707–1758; married to Oeding), Johan Martin Preisler (1715–1794), and Valentin Daniel Preisler (1717–1765), all in their time renowned artists. Most notable for his portraits, nudes and history paintings, Johann Daniel Preissler also produced drawings and frescoes. He was particularly known beyond his native Nuremberg for his "Die durch Theorie erfundene Practic", a sequence of works on art theory – the individual works were translated into several other languages and served as textbooks for students such as the Swiss Salomon Gessner...
Laid Paper, Engraving, Etching
$900
H 22.57 in W 16.38 in
Aurora sive Tempus Matutinum; Der Wohl und Übel angewandte Morgen /// Old Master
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: (after) Johann Daniel Preissler (German, 1666-1737) Title: "Aurora sive Tempus Matutinum; Der Wohl und Übel angewandte Morgen (Dawn or Morning Time; The Morning Used for Better or For Worse)" Portfolio: Die Vier Tageszeiten (The Four Times of Day) Year: 1723 Medium: Original Etching and Engraving on laid paper Limited edition: Unknown Printer: likely Johann Balthasar Probst, Augsburg, Germany Publisher: Jeremias Wolff (Erben), Augsburg, Germany Sheet size: 22.57" x 16.38" Image size: 17.75" x 14" Reference: Le Blanc No. 255, 38; Nagler No. 23 Condition: Soft handling creases, folds, and scattered faint areas of discoloration to sheet. Three tears skillfully repaired from verso. Has been professionally stored away for decades. It is otherwise a strong impression in good condition with full margins Extremely rare Notes: Provenance: private collection - Aspen, CO. Engraved by German artist Johann Balthasar Probst (1673-1750) after a drawing by German artist Johann Daniel Preissler (1666-1737). Comes from Preissler's 1723 "Die Vier Tageszeiten (The Four Times of Day)" portfolio of four etchings and engravings. Printed from one copper plate in one color: black. Descriptions of the portrayed image are printed in Latin and German. Biography: Johann Daniel Preissler, or Preisler (1666–1737) was a German painter and director of Nuremberg's Academy of Fine Arts. He was a notable member of a German artistic family, originating in Bohemia. His children included Johann Justin Preissler (1698–1771), Georg Martin Preisler (1700–1754), Barbara Helena Preisler (1707–1758; married to Oeding), Johan Martin Preisler (1715–1794), and Valentin Daniel Preisler (1717–1765), all in their time renowned artists. Most notable for his portraits, nudes and history paintings, Johann Daniel Preissler also produced drawings and frescoes. He was particularly known beyond his native Nuremberg for his "Die durch Theorie erfundene Practic", a sequence of works on art theory – the individual works were translated into several other languages and served as textbooks for students such as the Swiss Salomon Gessner...
Laid Paper, Engraving, Etching
$900
H 22.5 in W 16.32 in
Meridies; Der Mittag (Noon; The Midday) /// Johann Daniel Preissler Old Master
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: (after) Johann Daniel Preissler (German, 1666-1737) Title: "Meridies; Der Mittag (Noon; The Midday)" Portfolio: Die Vier Tageszeiten (The Four Times of Day) Year: 1723 Medium: Original Etching and Engraving on laid paper Limited edition: Unknown Printer: likely Johann Balthasar Probst, Augsburg, Germany Publisher: Jeremias Wolff (Erben), Augsburg, Germany Sheet size: 22.5" x 16.32" Image size: 18.13" x 14.32" Reference: Le Blanc No. 255, 38; Nagler No. 23 Condition: Soft handling creases and folds to sheet. A few light areas of staining and scattered small areas of discoloration in margins. Two small tears skillfully repaired from verso in margins. Has been professionally stored away for decades. It is otherwise a strong impression in good condition with full margins Extremely rare Notes: Provenance: private collection - Aspen, CO. Engraved by German artist Johann Balthasar Probst (1673-1750) after a drawing by German artist Johann Daniel Preissler (1666-1737). Comes from Preissler's 1723 "Die Vier Tageszeiten (The Four Times of Day)" portfolio of four etchings and engravings. Printed from one copper plate in one color: black. Descriptions of the portrayed image are printed in Latin and German. Biography: Johann Daniel Preissler, or Preisler (1666–1737) was a German painter and director of Nuremberg's Academy of Fine Arts. He was a notable member of a German artistic family, originating in Bohemia. His children included Johann Justin Preissler (1698–1771), Georg Martin Preisler (1700–1754), Barbara Helena Preisler (1707–1758; married to Oeding), Johan Martin Preisler (1715–1794), and Valentin Daniel Preisler (1717–1765), all in their time renowned artists. Most notable for his portraits, nudes and history paintings, Johann Daniel Preissler also produced drawings and frescoes. He was particularly known beyond his native Nuremberg for his "Die durch Theorie erfundene Practic", a sequence of works on art theory – the individual works were translated into several other languages and served as textbooks for students such as the Swiss Salomon Gessner...
Laid Paper, Engraving, Etching
$2,375
H 20 in W 16.38 in
Sneezewort, Poppy, Strawflower: 17th C. Besler Hand-colored Botanical Engraving
Located in Alamo, CA
This is a hand-colored copper plate engraving entitled "Ptarmica Vulgaris (Sneezewort), Papaver Spinosum (Mexican Poppy), Chrysocame Peregrina (Seaside Strawflower)", depicting flowering Sneezewort, Mexican Poppy and Seaside Strawberry plants respectively from Basilius Besler's landmark work, Hortus Eystettensis (Garden at Eichstatt), first published in 1613 in Eichstatt, Germany near Nuremberg and later in 1640 and 1713. This beautiful colorful engraving is printed on thin laid chain-linked paper. The left margin is thinner than the others and the left edge is somewhat irregular where the engraving was previously bound in the original publication. The print is otherwise in excellent condition with striking hand-coloring. The sheet measures 20" high and 16.38" wide. Basilius Besler (1561–1629) was an apothecary and botanist. He was curator of the Willibaldsburg Castle garden of Johann Konrad von Gemmingen, prince bishop...
Engraving
The Bathers ("De Zwemmertjes")
By Rembrandt van Rijn
Located in New York, NY
Etching and drypoint on laid paper, 1651. New Hollstein's third, and final, state. Full sheet size 5.38 x6.5 inches. Frame size 14.25 x 16.75 inches. Catalogue raisonné references...
Drypoint, Etching
$1,781
H 22.05 in W 15.36 in D 0.6 in
Grand Prix De Rome Submission Circa 1906 Académie D’Homme Nude With Arrow
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
A Grand Prix De Rome Submission Circa 1906. “Académie D’Homme” Nude Throwing An Arrow. Period Print (Lithograph or Heliogravure). Image size 19 inches x 12.2 inches ( 48cm x 31cm ). Frame size 22 inches x 15.4 inches ( 56cm x 39cm ). Available for sale; this antique reproductive plate (usually a lithograph or heliogravure) after the original competition drawing is annotated Premier Grand Prix De Rome and is dated in the margin 1906. The print is presented and supplied in a sympathetic contemporary wooden frame (which is shown in these photographs) and behind glass. This antique print is in good material condition with age toning to the paper along with a scattering of aged blemishes. It is supplied ready to hang and display. The print carries a dedication lower right in the margin. An incomplete (partial) ink stamp in the lower left hand corner makes reference to an Anvers (Antwerp) institution. This finely executed early 20th-century figure print of a drawing is of the Académie d’Homme genre (traditional academic nude study). It depicts a nude male figure in dynamic contrapposto, shown mid-action as he prepares to throw an arrow. The pose combines classical balance with controlled movement, reflecting the rigorous standards of French academic training at the turn of the century. The image is a period print, likely produced as a lithograph or heliogravure, after an original competition drawing. It is annotated “Premier Grand Prix de Rome” and dated 1906 in the margin, indicating that the original of this work was a submission to the prestigious Prix de Rome competition, the highest accolade for academic artists in France. Such works were commonly reproduced for study, reference and institutional circulation and it is likely that this reproduction was made in the same year, or shortly afterwards. Rendered with careful anatomical precision, the figure demonstrates a deep understanding of musculature, proportion and weight distribution, hallmarks of École des Beaux-Arts instruction. The neutral background focuses attention entirely on the human form, emphasising clarity of line and sculptural modelling. This circa 1906 academic male nude print...
Paper, Lithograph
$3,375
H 20.13 in W 17.5 in
Besler Hand-colored Botanical Engraving of Flowering Tulip & Wild Garlic Plants
Located in Alamo, CA
This is a hand-colored copperplate engraving entitled "Tulipa viridiscoloris, Fritillaria iuncifolns, Allium Vrsinum" depicting flowering tulip, fritillary and wild garlic plants fro...
Engraving
$5,875
H 28.88 in W 37.25 in D 1.25 in
The Roman Colosseum: A Framed 18th Century Etching of the Interior by Piranesi
By Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Located in Alamo, CA
This large framed 18th century etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi entitled "Veduta dell'interno dell'Anfiteatro Flavio detto il Colosseo" (View of the interior of the Flavian Amph...
Etching
$3,875
H 24.38 in W 31.75 in D 0.75 in
Ancient Roman Architecture: Original Framed 18th C. Etching by G. Piranesi
By Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Located in Alamo, CA
"Veduta del Sepolcro della Famiglia Plauzia per la Strada Che Conduce da Roma a Tivoli vicino a Ponte Lugano" from "Le Antichità Romane" (Roman Antiquities), one of the most famous works by Piranesi. "Antichita" illustrates the tombs along the Appian Way...
Etching, Engraving, Drypoint
$3,775
H 27 in W 32 in D 1.5 in
Church of St. Costanza, Rome: An 18th Century Piranesi Architectural Etching
By Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Located in Alamo, CA
This is a framed 18th century Giovanni Battista Piranesi etching entitled: "Veduta interna del Sepocro di Santa Costanza, fabbricat...
Etching
Sold
H 21.25 in W 25 in
"Perseus and the Sleeping Medusa, " Neo-classical Etching by A. Runciman
By Alexander Runciman
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Perseus and and the Sleeping Medusa" is a Neo-Classical etching by Scottish artist Alexander Runciman. It has an engraved signature along the bottom...
Etching, Paper, Ink