Angels Carrying Gideon's Fleece - Anne Claude de Thubières, Comte de Caylus

A refined chiaroscuro print depicting angels with the fleece of Gideon, after a drawing by Antonio Orsi.

This print, titled 'Des Anges portant la Toison de Gédéon', is a fine example of the chiaroscuro technique developed by the Comte de Caylus. The work reproduces a drawing by the Italian master Antonio Orsi, which was held in the collection of Pierre Crozat. The composition depicts a group of angels and putti suspended in the clouds, carefully transporting the fleece of Gideon, a biblical reference to the dew-covered wool that miraculously remained dry.

The technical execution demonstrates the eighteenth-century interest in replicating the tonal qualities of wash drawings through printmaking. By combining etching with woodblock printing, the artist achieves a soft, atmospheric effect that mimics the depth of ink and wash on paper. The figures are rendered with the fluid, graceful lines characteristic of the Rococo period, focusing on the movement of drapery and the soft anatomy of the celestial figures. The monochromatic palette, ranging from deep sepia to light cream, provides a sense of unity and focus on the narrative action.

Caylus was a significant figure in the French art world, known for his antiquarian interests and his efforts to promote the reproduction of master drawings. This specific print reflects the collaborative nature of the period, where the work of an Italian draughtsman was translated into a new medium by a French aristocrat and scholar. The inclusion of the original inscription at the base of the print provides historical context, identifying the source of the design and the collection from which it originated. This piece offers a glimpse into the sophisticated print culture of the mid-eighteenth century, where technical experimentation met a deep appreciation for the Old Masters.