Mezzotint engraving of ancient fresco at Herculaneum c1757.

by Vanni, Niccolo

Antique print of excavated fresco of Herculaneum buildings.

Small copperplate engraved mezzotint engraved c1757 by Aloja from a drawing by Niccolo Vanni for the most important archaeological work of the 18th century, Le Antichita di Ercolano Esposto (Herculaneum Antiquities Exposed) - recording the discoveries excavated at Pompeii, Ercolano (Herculaneum) and Stabiae (Campania), the region that had been covered since the eruption of Mt Vesusius late in AD79.

This lovely 18th century engraving with later hand-colour was printed within text on hand-made paper. The cross-hatched section at top right indicates the fresco was damaged in that area.

To plate mark measures approximately 145 x 130mm (5 3/4 x 5 1/4 inches).