5196 - Rota, Martino

Rota, Martino The Penny. Copperplate engraving after Titian. 27.7 x 23.4 cm. B. 5, TIB 5 I (of II). Signed Mermaid within a circle with a six-pointed star (similar to Briquet 13899–13901). The copperplate engraving reproduces Titian’s painting *The Penny of Interest*, which Titian himself reported in October 1568 that he had recently completed. While the painting is generally believed to have been created between about 1560 and 1568, recent research indicates that Titian—possibly assisted by workshop staff—may have been working on the painting as early as the 1540s or 1550s. Several differences can be identified between the final version of the painting and Rota’s graphic rendering, which could indicate that Rota reproduced the painting before Titian’s final revisions —these include, among other things, the prominent halo around Christ’s head, which is only minimally suggested in the painting, as well as various details in the figures’ robes. The copperplate engraving also depicts a wider view of the scene than the painting (see Nicholas Penny, *The Sixteenth Century Italian Paintings*, Volume II: Venice 1540–1600, exhibition catalog, London 2008, cat. no. NG 224). The sheet is presented here in its first state of printing, bearing the address of Luca Guarinoni. An absolutely excellent, finely detailed early print with a narrow margin. Slightly dusty, a tiny pinhole in Christ’s robes, isolated thin spots on the paper, inconspicuous horizontal creases, other minor signs of age; otherwise very fine. Rare. - 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.