Genuine etching or modern reproduction?

While we are at it I might as well post the second engraving I bought. Have reason to believe this is after a Claude Lorrain work and engraved by Francois Vivares.

But does anyone know what scene it might be depicting?

 

Some unfortunate soul seem to be tied up in a tree!

 

I suggest that a new thread should be started for this print,,,,,,, ...

 

Whether you do it here or start a separate thread, we could use more photos. Am I correct that on the right where the guy is being strung up there is reflection in the glass that is obscuring details? Also, anything that is written on it.

My first thought was that he is a cattle thief, but appears to have his modesty preserved by what looks like a girdle of leaves?

 

Super interesting thread @Sindre. Thanks!

 

Thank you @Potteryplease !

If its of interest i'll attempt to take some pictures of the back and look for additional clues as to the origin of the Niobe when it arrives with me.

Crossing my fingers its an original in remarkably good shape for its age but we'll see!

 

The structure of the paper seems off to me, if I am honest. I am curious how the paper looks when you shine a bright light behind it.

this is the structure of 18th century paper I would expect. <1725

 

Did not expect this at all but I have the work now and its on laid paper (evenly spaced, vertical lines are clearly visible with a light against the back) which seems to indicate a first state or at least a very early pull.

But the paper is in REMARKABLY good condition for being 250 years old. But its been tightly wrapped around the glass and another plate tightly pressed against the back so I assume that has helped with the preservation.

 

The earlier the paper, the better the paper quality is my experience. Years ago I bought a stack of cardboard displays with fragments of a very old book (1493) glued on it. I soaked rhem in water to get them loose and they came out perfectly.

The cards soaking in water.




There are two periods with typical bad quality paper: the 19th century when paper making machines were invented and a few years following World War II when resources were very scarce.