Lot n° 106
Estimation :
15 - 20
EUR
Result without fees
Result
: 15EUR
[ITALY] - Lot 106
[ITALY]
Etienne Giraud (18th century.): "The interior of the Posilipus Cave, D. D. to H. Excellency Milord Fortrose". 18th century. Etching. Dim. bowl : 41.6 x 29.6 cm - Total dim. : 53 x 37.8 cm. Freckles and stitches
Note: Architect and draftsman active in the 18th century, Etienne Giraud represented the deepest part of the Posilipus tunnel near Naples (incorrectly called the Posillipo cave), where there is a chapel dedicated to the Virgin. The "Cave of Naples" is usually represented by its mouth, for its proximity to the presumed tomb of Virgil. How often in Giraud's compositions we find an animation with all kinds of local characters: two aristocrats carrying swords accompanied by a hunting dog, a cripple giving alms, a farmer with a basket on his head and his wife leading a loaded mule, and so on. The engraving is dedicated to Kenneth Mackenzie (1744-1781), who became Lord Fortrose in 1766, a British traveller who was present in Naples between 1768 and 1771. The BNF holds a copy of this rare etching.