Engraving Two horses of the sun and two Tritons grooming them

"In one of the side niches are two of Apollo's horses and two tritons. These four figures are arranged in such a way as to create a pleasant contrast in all their parts, due to their different actions. Seeing these horses, you'd think they were beginning to relax from the day's work, and to feel the...

"In one of the side niches are two of Apollo's horses and two tritons. These four figures are arranged in such a way as to create a pleasant contrast in all their parts, due to their different actions. Seeing these horses, you'd think they were beginning to relax from the day's work, and to feel the freshness of the place, and the good treatment they're getting, they just want to cheer up".
Excerpt from Description de la grotte de Versailles, André Félibien, Paris, 1676.
Etienne Baudet was one of the most remarkable burin engravers of the French 17th century. His exceptional skills earned him admission to the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture in 1675 and the position of engraver to the king. In 1677, he succeeded Claude Mellan in reproducing the antique statues and busts of the Royal Houses. Also for the Cabinet du Roi, he worked with Louis de Surugue de Surgis on some of the plates describing the Grand Escalier des Ambassadeurs at Versailles.

Sheet dimensions: H. 56 x W. 38