The Gods of Egypt - Bernard Picart

An 1718 etching by Bernard Picart depicting a mythological scene of Egyptian deities, originally published in 'Fables Nouvelles'.

This etching by Bernard Picart, dated 1718, originates from the publication 'Fables Nouvelles'. Picart was a prolific French engraver who spent much of his career in Amsterdam, where he produced a vast body of work documenting religious and mythological subjects. This specific plate depicts a scene titled 'Les Dieux d'Égypte', illustrating a narrative concerning the veneration of animal deities.

The composition is characteristic of early eighteenth-century book illustration, employing precise line work to define the figures and the architectural background. In the centre, a group of figures interacts with symbolic representations of Egyptian divinity, including a prominent rat perched upon a column. The background features stylised pyramids and obelisks, which reflect the European fascination with Egyptology during the Enlightenment period. Picart uses a combination of etching and engraving techniques to create varying textures, from the smooth surfaces of the stone structures to the draped garments of the human subjects.

The scene is framed within a decorative border typical of the period's editorial style. The inclusion of text above and below the image indicates its original function as a page within a larger volume of fables. The artist's signature, 'B. Picart invenit et sculp. 1718', is visible in the lower right corner, confirming his dual role as both the designer and the engraver of the plate. This work provides a window into the visual culture of the early 1700s, where classical and exotic themes were frequently adapted for moralising literature. The print maintains a high degree of clarity, demonstrating the technical skill required for high-quality book production in the eighteenth century.