Mythology - Pantheon of the Gods (The Government of the Queen)

The Government of the Queen, or the Assembly of the Gods. PICART, Bernard (1673-1733), after RUBENS, Pierre Paul (1577-1640). Copper engraving, 1707. Sheet dimensions: 58.2 x 90.6 cm. Plate mark dimensions: 49.8 cm X 83.6 cm. Engraving by Bernard Picart, after Rubens and the drawing by Jean-Marc Nattier. Very fine inking on heavy laid paper. Large print with wide margins. Title and legend in the lower margin. Minor foxing. Central fold from the work from which the engraving is taken. A beautiful, well-preserved copy, which is rare for these formats. This print represents one of the most remarkable compositions of the famous Marie de' Medici cycle, painted by Rubens for the Luxembourg Palace between 1622 and 1625. The legend mentions: "The felicity of the Government of the Queen is marked by everything that makes up the composition of this painting. It is the assembly of the Gods, where each of them is occupied according to their character. Jupiter and Juno, who signify Providence, take care to have two doves, symbols of gentleness, harnessed to the Globe of France, and begin by giving the guidance of them to Cupid, while Apollo with his bow, Minerva with her spear, and Mars with his sword, drive away Discord, Fury, Envy, and Fraud, which are the most capable of desolating a poorly governed State. The other Divinities are on clouds in various attitudes. Venus restrains Mars and wants to prevent him from committing himself. Iris, the messenger of Juno, who is taken for peace, of which she is the symbol, receives the order to make every effort to regulate the movements of the Queen, so that she may maintain herself in the Kingdom." Reference: Musée du Louvre, Department of Graphic Arts, inv. 822 C.