Bernard Picart
(1673-1733)
The First to Fourth Incarnations of the Hindu God Vishnu, 1722
Engraving on laid paper
With the artist's name and date printed in the plate, lower left: B. Picart; the incarnation number printed in the plate below each of the four scenes
Plate: 13.375" H x 8.75" W; Sheet: 16.5" H x 10.25" W
Provenance: Thomas French Fine Art, Greencastle, Indiana
The Collection of Walter and Nesta Spink, Ann Arbor, MI, acquired from the above, December 13, 1984

Other Notes: This lot includes a copy of the invoice for the abovementioned purchase. According to the Bhagavad Gita, each of Vishnu's ten avatars saved the world. The first avatar was a fish that lifted the vedas from the ocean. The second was a turtle that carried the world on its back to ensure its stability. The third was a boar that rescued the Earth, which had been thrown into the ocean by demons. The fourth was a half-lion, half-human creature that tore the demon Hiranyakashapu to pieces.

Overall very good condition. Full margins with deckled edges (perhaps very slightly trimmed along the lower half of the left margin edge). A rich impression with good contrasts. The sheet untreated, with a still-distinct platemark. Slight time staining along the extreme margin edges. Occasional minor foxing at the margin edges, showing mostly on the verso. Hinged to the back mat with linen hinges in two places at the verso of the upper margin edge.

Unframed Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.