5469 - Fabris, Pietro

Fabris, Pietro Entrance to the Grotta di Pozzuoli, Plate XVI from William Hamilton’s *Campi Phlegraei*. Outline etching, old color and gouache, black border line, gray-washed margin, old mount on thin cardboard. 21.5 x 39.5 cm (image); 26.4 x 43.2 cm (sheet). Titled “Entrée de la Grotte de Pausilipe” in graphite pencil by another hand below the image. (1776–1779). The British diplomat William Hamilton (1730–1803) spent an extended period in Naples, where he observed volcanic activity. He published his precise observations in a bilingual edition comprising two volumes and an appendix under the title *Campi Phlegraei* for the Royal Society and commissioned Pietro Fabris—who was born in England but worked primarily in Naples—to produce the illustrations. Fabris produced a total of 59 gouaches, which were then turned into prints and hand-colored. Plate XVI shows the entrance to a tunnel in the Posillipo district of Naples. According to legend, the tomb of the famous poet Virgil (70–19 BC) is said to be located next to this tunnel, also known as the Crypta Neapolitana or Grotta di Posillipo. A magnificent print with margins and a sketch-like, contemporary coloration. Here and there, slight rubbing and scuffing, minimal staining, somewhat browned, a tiny touch-up along the lower edge of the image; overall still in good condition. - 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.