Italian Hand Colored Engraving by Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein: Based on the Original Collection of Sir William Hamilton's Ancient Vases

A small fire burns on an altar between two women, one pouring and one reaching in with a sprig.

This hand colored engraving, based on the original collection of Sir William Hamilton's ancient vases, is after Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein, from Naples, Italy, around 1791, in ink on paper. Offering and libation scenes are among the most common subjects on Greek painted vases. At left, a woman holds a jug and a leafy sprig. At right, another, holding a tall staff, extends a branch toward the flames. A garland hangs between them above the altar's scrolled top. The image is 10.75 inches wide and 7.25 high.

Two careful hands, one small fire, and very good manners all round.