Rare Herculaneum fresco, excavated in mid-18th century, c1757.

by Vanni, Niccolo

Herculaneum wall fresco: People and boat on shoreline.

Small copperplate engraving c.1757 by 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 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 black and white antique print inspires the imagination. To platemark measures 11 x 13cm (4 3/8 x 9 inches).