The Narration of Philoctetes Sufferings in Lemnos

DESCRIPTION: This 1794 engraving, titled "The Narration of Philoctetes's Sufferings in Lemnos" was created by the British engraver John Barlow (also known as Inigo Barlow). The print depicts a scene from Greek mythology, specifically centered on the Greek hero Philoctetes. It was published by M. A. Meilan on March 24, 1794. Philoctetes was a warrior abandoned by the Greeks on the island of Lemnos for ten years due to a festering, foul-smelling snakebite on his foot. The image shows Philoctetes (likely the figure seated at the table) recounting his decade of isolation and agony to other Greek figures. The verse at the bottom reflects his despair, referencing Alcides (Hercules) and the land of Oeta, where Philoctetes famously lit Hercules' funeral pyre and received his invincible bow in return. Verse: 'I know not what I do, give give, I cry, O give me a sharp knife and let me die, Burn me, young man, performing what my hand Did for ALCIDES in OETA'S land.’ STYLE: Engraving COLOUR: Monochrome SIZE (cm): 14 x 20 CREATORS: Barlow after Chryhall PUBLICATION: PUBLISHER: M A Meilan DATE: 1794 COMMENTS: Excellent condition with a patina of age SUBJECT: Classics & Literature PACKAGE: Single one-sided sheet in acid-free mount, flat & unfolded inside hard-backed envelope. Royal Mail Tracked 24 included. Note: Images are provided for illustration purposes only and are intended to show the complete printed product, including any imperfections of age that may be present. Frames or props shown in the images are for display purposes only and are not included with your purchase.