5481 - Ghisi, Giorgio

Ghisi, Giorgio Hercules, resting after his Twelve Labors. Copperplate engraving after Giulio Romano. 26.6 x 38.7 cm. 1567. B. 56 II, Lewis/Lewis 41 II. The model for this rare copperplate engraving by Giorgio Ghisi was a relief based on a design by Giulio Romano in the Sala degli Stucchi at the Palazzo del Te in Mantua. Only one copy of the first printing state, in which the plate is still largely unfinished, is known to exist; it is currently housed at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France in Paris. Of particular note is the vast and wonderfully detailed imaginary landscape that stretches out behind the resting Hercules. Alongside Ghisi’s principal print, the famous “Allegory of Life” (B. 67) created in 1561, this is the most elaborately composed and vibrant landscape setting that Ghisi ever realized in the medium of copperplate engraving. It is also the only dated copperplate engraving created between the aforementioned “Allegory of Life” and “Cupid and Psyche” (B. 45) from 1574. An excellent print, though with some omissions in places, featuring the border line—partly with a fine knurled edge around it, partly cut just inside it. Old mounting; minor missing areas on the right and left outer margins; somewhat stained; isolated small paper damage and small holes filled with paper; slight creases and isolated crush lines; overall, however, 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.