Fresco of buildings on Naples Bay. Excavation engraving.

by Vanni, Niccolo

Rare antique print of fresco at Herculaneum, c.1757.

Original small copperplate engraved mezzotint engraved by Aloja from a drawing by Niccolo Vanni for the most important archaeological work of the 18th century, which recorded the discoveries at Pompeii, Ercolano (Herculaneum) and Stabiae (Campania), regions that had been covered since the eruption of Mt Vesusius late in AD79.

This lovely engraving has later hand-colour, and is mounted between antique-white ragmat conservation board, ready for framing, and is covered in cellophane for presentation and protective handling. External measurement for a frame is 23 x 35cm (9 x 13 3/4 inches). The image window measures 11 x 23cm (4 1/4 x 9 inches).