What is the estimated value of this 18th-century 'Venus & Cupid' engraving?

This late 18th-century 'Venus & Cupid' engraving by Jean-Baptiste Michel after Carlo Maratti, from the 'Houghton Gallery' series, has an estimated market value of $200 - $400. This valuation is based on comparable 18th-century reproductive engravings of similar historical interest, adjusted for its good condition despite toning and foxing. A specialist prints auction could achieve the higher end of this range, while online marketplaces offer a direct selling route.

What era is this 'Venus & Cupid' engraving from and what is its significance?

This engraving is from the Late 18th Century, specifically published on May 1, 1779, by John Boydell in London. Its significance lies in being Plate 8 from the renowned 'Houghton Gallery' series, which documented the magnificent art collection of Sir Robert Walpole. The series became an invaluable 'paper museum' after the entire collection was sold to Catherine the Great of Russia in the same year, preserving the images of masterpieces for the British public.

What condition is this 18th-century engraving in, and how does it affect its value?

The engraving is in good condition for its age. Primary issues include significant, even paper toning (browning) and scattered minor foxing spots, which are typical for an 18th-century print but slightly reduce its aesthetic appeal compared to a pristine example. The full inscription plate is intact, a critical positive factor. The period frame shows consistent wear. These condition factors are accounted for in the $200 - $400 valuation.

Where is the best place to sell this 'Houghton Gallery' engraving?

For this 'Houghton Gallery' engraving, selling directly via an online marketplace like eBay is recommended to maximize net proceeds, as traditional specialist auction houses often have high minimum consignment thresholds ($500+). Listing on eBay with a detailed description and competitive 'Buy It Now' price of around $350 with 'Best Offer' enabled is a practical approach. Alternatively, Swann Auction Galleries in the US is a specialist venue for works on paper, but consignment may require a larger group of items.

Is this 'Venus & Cupid' engraving authentic?

Yes, this 'Venus & Cupid' engraving is highly confident to be an authentic 18th-century work. Its identification is definitively confirmed by the detailed engraved inscriptions in the lower margin, which name the artists, publisher, and date. Furthermore, identical examples are held in the permanent collections of prestigious institutions such as The British Museum and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, corroborating its identity and historical context.

What is the historical importance of the 'Houghton Gallery' series?

The 'Houghton Gallery' series, published by John Boydell, is historically significant as an ambitious project to document the magnificent art collection of Sir Robert Walpole, Britain's first Prime Minister. Published in 1779, the same year the entire collection was sold to Catherine the Great of Russia, these engravings became a crucial 'paper museum.' They preserved the visual record of masterpieces for the British public after the original paintings left the country for the Hermitage, making them invaluable historical documents.

Jean-Baptiste Michel (1748–1804) after Carlo Maratti (1625–1713), 'Venus & Cupid', Plate 8 from the 'Houghton Gallery' Series, Published by John Boydell, London, 1779

Estimated value: $200 - $400. Jean-Baptiste Michel (1748–1804) after Carlo Maratti (1625–1713), 'Venus & Cupid', Plate 8 from the 'Houghton Gallery' Series, Published by John Boydell, London, 1779 (Late 18th Century) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Fine Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This engraving is more than just a beautiful image; it is a tangible piece of 18th-century art history. It was created as part of an ambitious project by John Boydell, London's foremost print publisher, to create a 'gallery in print' of one of England's greatest art collections. The original painting by Carlo Maratti hung in Houghton Hall, the magnificent Norfolk home of Sir Robert Walpole, Britain's first Prime Minister. Owning such prints was a mark of cultural sophistication, allowing the educated public to study masterpieces they might never see in person. In a dramatic turn of events, the entire Houghton collection was sold to Catherine the Great of Russia in 1779, the very year this print was published. The sale was seen as a national loss, and Boydell's engravings suddenly took on a new importance. They became a permanent record—a 'paper museum'—of this lost national treasure. This print is therefore a direct link to that pivotal moment, capturing the legacy of a great English collection just as it departed for the Hermitage, where the original painting remains to this day.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on the market for comparable 18th-century English and French reproductive engravings of similar size, quality, and historical interest. While no direct auction records for this specific print were found, a stylistically similar 18th-century French print was listed with an asking price of approximately $195. Our estimate has been adjusted to reflect this print's superior historical importance as part of the Houghton Gallery series, while also accounting for the condition issues, namely the significant paper toning and foxing. A recommended reserve price at auction would be $160. After a typical seller's commission of 10-15%, net proceeds would be approximately $170 - $360.

Comparable sales

CURIOSA Henri IV Gabrielle EAU FORTE de Monchy CHARLES EISEN Gravure XVIII° - Print dating from the 18th century - Format 39x30 cm - Some stitches, small tear at the bottom edge (0.5 cm). — sold for €180 (eBay), N/A
Bacchus and Erigone, A5 by Picart, Bernard: Reproduction., No Art / Print / Poster | Contentum - High-quality fine-art reproduction based on an 18th-century (1708) original work from the Rijksmuseum. It is professionally printed on premium fine-art paper (Photo Matt Fibre) in size A5. — sold for US$ 21.11 (Contentum), 2026-05-09
Greek Mythology Nudes Salmacis And Hermaphrodite Etching 18th Century - This is a very nice proof of an 18th-century engraving before the letter, well-contrasted, depicting Salmacis and Hermaphrodite after Ovid's Metamorphoses. It was engraved by Gérard Vidal (1742-1801) after a composition by Charles Monnet (1732-after 1808). — sold for — (Fine Arts France), N/A

Expert notes

This is an authentic and historically significant 18th-century engraving from the renowned 'Houghton Gallery' series. The valuation is based on its importance and the market for similar period prints, though a lack of recent sales for this exact plate introduces some uncertainty. Before a sale, it would be prudent to have the print examined out of its frame to assess the paper more closely and check for a watermark, which could help confirm it is a lifetime impression from 1779.

This report is one of the worked examples in our guide What is your print, lithograph or engraving worth?.