William Hamilton Greek Vase (4)

Copper-line engraving with original hand-colouring of a Greek vase-painting. From d’Hancarville’s famous work on Sir William Hamilton's collection of antique vases – Antiquites Etrusques, Grecques et Romaines, tirees du Cabinet de M. William Hamilton…. . Published in 1767. Sir William Hamilton (1730-1803) was the British ambassador to the Court of the Two Sicilys. Living in Naples, he was in a perfect position to acquire the Greek, Roman, and Etruscan vases being unearthed around Naples. He was quick to understand the importance of the vases to the study of ancient art and history. His first collection of vases was sold to the British Museum in 1772. 185mm by 155mm (platemark) 495mm by 360mm (sheet)