5106 - Dus, Francesco

Dus, Francesco The Lamentation. Etching after Antonio da Correggio. 20.7 x 28.5 cm. Andresen II, p. 794, 1, Massimo Mussini, *Correggio tradotto*. Fortuna di Antonio Allegri nella stampa di riproduzione fra Cinquecento e Ottocento, 1995, p. 141, no. 179. Signed with initials in a circle. Correggio’s painting known as “La vierge à l’échelle,” which served as the model and was reproduced numerous times—including, as here, in a reversed orientation—is now in the Galleria Nazionale in Parma. Very little is known about the enigmatic etcher Francesco Dus; he was likely active in Spain, and Heller-Andresen notes that his etching style is reminiscent of Ribera. Both Heller-Andresen and Massimo Mussini list only two etchings by him, and these are extremely rare. An excellent print, slightly dry but with a wonderfully experimental quality, featuring numerous atmospheric smudges and a fine knurled edge around the facet. Minor signs of wear, two slight vertical creases, thin areas at the top likely due to mounting, a tiny and very careful touch-up near the edge at the top left; otherwise, beautifully preserved. - Please ask for condition reports for individual lots, as the condition is usually not mentioned in the catalog. - Please ask for condition reports for individual lots, as the condition is usually not mentioned in the catalog.