Pigné after Raphael, Visages of Virtue and Vigor, 1740, Engraving

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This original antique engraving is part of the collection "Recueil de XC Têtes tirées des Sept Cartons des Actes des … Read more This original antique engraving is part of the collection "Recueil de XC Têtes tirées des Sept Cartons des Actes des Apôtres," and showcases two male profiles in a classical style. The figure on the left features flowing, wavy hair and a beard, with a gaze that suggests a reflective or noble character. The right figure is adorned with a dense, curly beard and hair, and his expression is more intense and perhaps severe. The level of detail in the hair and beards suggests a mastery of the engraving craft, capturing the texture and depth that brings these figures to life. Both profiles exhibit individuality and emotion, hinting at the diverse range of characters that could be found in Raphael's works. The bottom left inscription, "Raph. Urb. pin.", indicates the original painting by Raphael, while "N. Pigné. sculp." on the bottom right attributes the engraving to Nicolas Pigné. These engravings not only served to reproduce Raphael's work for wider audiences but also demonstrate the skill and interpretative ability of engravers like Pigné who contributed to the preservation and dissemination of Renaissance artistry. The engraving is part of a series known as "Recueil de XC Tetes tirees des Sept Cartons des Acts des Apotres peints par Raphael Urbin," which translates to "Collection of 90 Heads drawn from the Seven Cartoons of the Acts of the Apostles painted by Raphael of Urbino." This series was derived from the Raphael Cartoons at Hampton Court, which are famous works by the Italian Renaissance master Raphael. These cartoons were originally created as full-size designs for tapestries depicting scenes from the lives of Saints Peter and Paul. Nicolas Dorigny, a renowned French engraver, was responsible for creating these engravings. He was invited to England and worked on engraving the Raphael Cartoons, which he completed in 1719. Dorigny's engravings were sold by subscription and were highly regarded for their fidelity to Raphael's original designs and for their artistic excellence. His work was part of the broader European tradition of reproducing and disseminating the works of great Renaissance artists. These particular engravings are historically significant as they represent one of the key moments in the history of printmaking, providing an elite educated market with access to Raphael's artistry through the medium of engraving. Dorigny's work, including this series, was aimed at a knowledgeable audience, with all the lettering in the engravings done in Latin, highlighting the scholarly nature of the intended patrons. See less