Pair of ancient Roman scenes. Frescoes diptych, engraved c1757.

by Vanni, Niccolo

Excavated frescoes from Pompeii or Herculaneum, antique print.

Small copperplate mezzotint engraved c1757 by Antonio Aloja from a drawing by Niccolo Vanni for the most important archaeological work of the 18th century - the recording of the discoveries at Pompeii, Ercolano (Herculaneum) and Stabiae (Campania), the region that had been covered since the eruption of Mt Vesusius late in 79 CE.

This lovely 18th century engraving with fine later hand-colour was printed within text on hand-made paper for a grand publication recording Herculaneum antiquities. Heavily inked text shows through slightly from the reverse of the 18th century hand-made paper - which adds to the charm of this early antique print.

To platemark measures approximately 110 x 228mm (4 1/4 x 9 inches). Paper size is 158 x 285mm (6 1/4 x 11 1/4 inches).