5239 - Ghezzi, Pier Leone

Ghezzi, Pier Leone Two singerie caricatures. 2 etchings. Each approx. 7.9 x 6.9 cm. Uninscribed. The painter and printmaker Pier Leone Ghezzi is generally regarded in the history of caricature as the first professional caricaturist. Countless members of Roman society and travelers had their portraits drawn by him in the first half of the 18th century. Ghezzi’s lively, humorous caricatures were extremely popular and had a significant influence on English caricaturists in the second half of the century. These two singeries, depicting the whimsical antics of two pairs of monkeys, are extremely rare and are not listed in the relevant literature. The small-format etchings are inscribed on the plate: “P. L. Ghezzius inv. et sculp.” and “Petrus Leo Ghezzius inv. et del.”, respectively. Excellent prints, trimmed to the edge of the plate. Slightly stained, with other minimal signs of age; otherwise very well preserved. - Please ask for condition reports for the 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.