J-G Pretre 19th c. Architectural Copper Engraving

Rendering of cupids, rams heads, and sphinxes with an architectural pedestal. Embossed border and embossed griffin seal in left corner. Engraving is a good quality. No loss of detail.Minimum foxing; edges are discolored with some short tears, paper has waves, normal for a piece of this age. See pictures for details. Print is encased in plastic sleeve with cardboard; I’d suggest to open it only before framing due to fragility. Jean-Gabriel Prêtre (b.1768–d.1849) was a Swiss-French natural history painter who illustrated mammals in a large number of books; several species of animal were named after him. Part of print on top right: “Abtheilung II. Bl. 30.” (means “Section 2, Sheet 30”) On bottom right: “gdr. V. Pretre.” (means “Drawn by Prêtre”) On lower left: “Gez. U. Gest. V. Caspar.” (means “Printed by Caspar”) On bottom center, in pencil, “1821” Outer Dimensions= 22” x 16”