Raphael Vatican Loggias Hand-Colored Engravings by Giovanni Ottaviani, Set of 4, Circa 1770

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Giovanni Ottaviani — Loggie di Rafaele nel Vaticano, Set of Four, c. 1770s

Exceptional set of four 18th-century hand-colored (polychrome) … Read more Giovanni Ottaviani — Loggie di Rafaele nel Vaticano, Set of Four, c. 1770s

Exceptional set of four 18th-century hand-colored (polychrome) engravings from the celebrated Loggie di Rafaele nel Vaticano, engraved by Giovanni (Johan) Ottaviani (1735–1808) after the Renaissance frescoes of Raphael and his workshop in the Vatican Loggias.

Published in Rome during the 1770s, the series records the richly ornamented vaults of the Loggias, combining architectural decoration, floral and grotesque motifs, and scenes from the biblical cycle famously known as “Raphael’s Bible.” Subjects represented throughout the series include the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses, while smaller cameos incorporate classical imagery including Victory figures, river gods, and pagan deities—a remarkable Renaissance blending of biblical and ancient Roman traditions.

The most prominent biblical subject groups depicted in this exact print series include:

The Story of Abraham (Bay IV): Abraham and the Three Angels & The Flight of Lot.
The Story of Isaac (Bay V): The Lord Appears to Isaac & Isaac Blessing Jacob.
The Story of Jacob (Bay VI): Jacob's Ladder (Jacob's Dream) & Jacob Meeting Rachel.
The Story of Moses (Bay VIII): Moses Receiving the Tablets of the Law (Descendit de Monte Sinai).

Beautifully custom framed in black with gilt detailing. Minor wear on frames. Sold as a set of four. Dimensions: 32 × 22 1/4 in. each; approximately 65 × 47 in. displayed as a set. See less