Shallow fresco above diptych. Mezzotint of Herculaneum antiquities.
by Vanni, Niccolo
Three small engravings of Herculaneum frescoes. Antique print.
Small copperplate engraving c.1757 by Cepparuli 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 AD79. Small engravings were used as headpieces and tailpieces to decorate pages of text in grand publications hundreds of years ago. This wonderful engraving which is as published (uncoloured) on hand-made paper, was from Le Antichita di Ercolano Esposte (Herculaneum Antiquities Exposed), published in Naples between 1757 and 1792 under the patronage of King Charles II of Naples.
This charming engraving has fine later hand-colour and shows the damaged sections of the fresco, which adds to the charm as well as to the engraving's faithfulness in accurately recording the subject matter. Some of the strong printing on the reverse shows through and there is a little foxing of the paper which was made by hand over 250 years ago.
Size to intaglio impression mark is 115 x 230mm (4 1/2 x 9 1/4 inches).
Stock Number: apVanni189Price: $55.00