360 - Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione - The Education in Music of the young Achilles – Rare Proof Impression - by Gaetano Zompini

Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione - The Education in Music of the young Achilles – Rare Proof Impression - by Gaetano Zompini Description: A rare proof impression of this attractive etching after Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione. The young Achilles is seated at left playing a stringed instrument while receiving instruction from the centaur Chiron, who holds an open book of music. At right a second centaur lies asleep against an architectural monument, while musical instruments are scattered in the foreground. The print belongs to the series Varii capricci e paesi, a set of twelve etchings after drawings by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione formerly in the collection of Anton Maria Zanetti I. The Rijksmuseum and British Museum attribute this etching, to Gaetano Zompini and dates it c. 1758–1759. Of particular importance, the present impression appears to represent an early proof stage: on the monument at right only the abbreviated inscription “G Cas…” is visible; the date 1758 and the additional AMZ monogram/letters found on the completed plate are absent. In a later state a text line was added beneath the print. The sheet therefore appears to have been pulled before these later inscriptions were added. The impression in the Rijksmuseum (RP-P-1964-635) is explicitly catalogued as a proof impression. A rare etching with a collectable music subject. Dimensions: 20,30 x 29,00 cm Condition: Very good impression on laid paper, trimmed just inside the plate border. Mounted, a small tear. Overall in good condition. Literature: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, RP-P-1964-635, Achilles onderwezen door Chiron, catalogued as “etching; proof impression”, plate 211 × 297 mm. Medium: Engraving Date: 1758