The car of the procession of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Messina. Aquatint by W. Daniell, 1823.
- Date:
- 4 June 1823
- Reference:
- 30460i
- Pictures
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Description
The barra is described by Smyth, op. cit., pp. 121-122. It is a mobile structure about 40 feet high and supported by iron machinery. At the lowest level is the Dormition of the Virgin with living people ("youths of good families") playing the apostles. Above are revolving structures to which living children are attached representing cherubim: the sun and the moon (the side with the sun is shown in the print), a mass of clouds supporting an azure celestial sphere, and at the summit a man representing God supporting a girl representing the Virgin Mary
Publication/Creation
London : John Murray, 4 June 1823.
Physical description
1 print : aquatint ; image 23 x 17.5 cm
Contributors
Lettering
The barra of Messina.
References note
J.R. Abbey, Travel in aquatint and lithography 1770-1860, vol. I, London, 1957, no. 263.10
Reference
Wellcome Collection 30460i
Creator/production credits
The attribution of the aquatint to W. Daniell (after a drawing by another hand) is implied by Smyth and interpreted in the Abbey catalogue, op. cit., p. 235. The Abbey catalogue also quotes Prideaux describing the aquatints for Smyth as "probably the most exquisite specimens of uncoloured aquatints to be found in any book" (ibid. p. 236)
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Location Status Access Closed storesLocation Status Access Closed stores