The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, v. 37, no. 4

ASHER BROWN DURAND Ariadne, 1835
EDWARD SAVAGE The Eruption of Mt. Etna in 1787, 1799
Printed full-color mezzotints like Savage's
Eruption of Mount Etna were rare even in
England. Few impressions of this image
were probably made, since the artist
applied the color by hand to the plate prior
to printing. Although it is unlikely that
Savage was present at the 1787 eruption,
he created a vivid view of the roiling cloud
known for his portraits of Washington,
Franklin, Jefferson, Dr. Rush, David Rittenhouse,
and General Wayne, and for the
print of the signing of the Declaration of
Independence.
As a printmaker, Durand is noted for
his excellent portrait and banknote engravings.
His most famous print, however,
Island of Naxos (Pennsylvania Academy
of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia). The care
and control lavished on this plate are
indicative of Durand's great admiration
for the original work, which was in his
possession for almost twenty years. In
addition, he made a copy in oils, which is
also in the Museum's collection.