Putti with thyrus rod, and dancing with lyre.

by Lavega, Francesco

Small antique print of excavated Pompeii putti fresco. One of a charming series of small 18th century engravings of 'cherubs' - Putti at Work and Play.

Original copper-engraved mezzotint c1757 by Roccus Pozzi after a drawing by Francesco Lavega for the most important 18th century  documentation, of archaeological excavations at Pompeii, Ercolano (Herculaneum) and Stabiae (Campania), - hundreds of years after the region was covered by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in AD79. Published in Naples circa 1760, with patronage of King Charles II.

This small image has fine later hand-colour. The engraving is mounted between 'antique white' conservation rag mat board, and covered with cellophane for protection. Engraving to plate mark: 11 x 16cm. Window size 14 x 19cm (5.5 x 7.5 inches). External size for frame:29 x 34cm (11.5 x 13.5 inches).