Dragon/Ketos- Fountain of Perseus, Ridinger

"Fontaine de Persee et d'Andromede. | Springbrunnen des Persei und der Andromeda"
Beneath the engraving, right, signature of the engraver and publisher: Ioh.Elias Ridinger excud. Aug. Vindel. Original copperplate engraving with etching, 18th century, on handmade paper watermarked FVA, measuring 32.2 x 28 cm, including frame 50.5 x 44 cm.
One of four engravings published as part of a very rare series of fountains by Johann Elias Ridinger, modeled on a series of engravings from "Recueil de divers Desseins de Fontaines et de Frises maritimes Inventez et dessignez par Monsieur Le Brun premier Peintre du Roy..." designed by Charles le Brun (1619-1690), court painter, architect and decorator to King Louis XIV.
The fountain design was inspired by Greek mythology. Perseus rescues his beloved princess Andromeda, sacrificed by her parents to propitiate Poseidon, who has sent the sea monster Ketos into the kingdom of Cepheus and Cassiopeia to punish them for their hubris. Perseus uses the helmet of Hades (making the wearer invisible), the winged sandals of Hermes, wields a curved sword (a gift from Zeus provided by Hermes) in one hand and the head of Medusa in the other, is assisted by Athena holding a shield and spear, defeats the monster and frees his later wife.
Johann Elias Ridinger (1698-1767) - a respected German printmaker active in Augsburg, made more than 1,500 engravings, and is known mainly for his hunting and hippie subjects.
Good condition: strong print, two small tears in the right margin overlapping the engraving minimally, minor soiling/spotting.