A set of six French monochromed prints circa 1820

The sculptures illustrated in the present lot were in the permanent collection of the Musée du Louvres prior to 1815.  It was assumed that the collection would be enlarged by treasures taken by conquest.  So when Napoleon invaded Italy and the papal states in the late 18^th century, many priceless antique marble statues were ceded by treaty to France and installed in the Louvre.  After the defeat of the French, most of these works of art were returned to their rightful owners in 1815.