Mezzotint of Herculaneum fresco scene recently excavated c1767

by Vanni, Niccolo

Unusual antique print of a painted fresco c1757.

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 24 x 36cm (9 1/2 x 14 1/8 inches). The image window measures 12 x 24cm (4 3/4 x 9 1/2 inches).