Mercury and Parides

Etching, 1641, from Annibale Carracci's fresco at Palazzo Farnese, Rome.

Example in the first state of two, with indication of royal privilege.

The work is part of the series 'Desseignée et gravée à l'eau-forte par Jacques Belly de Chartres, dediée à Monsieur de Marquis de Coeuvres' described by Robert-Dumesnil. The first state of the engraving’s bears, as in this case, the privilege of the King of France, which is replaced, in the second state, by the papal privilege.

Jacques Belly called Gallus (1609-1674) was an engraver originally from Chartres, a pupil of Simon Vouet. He worked in Rome and is known only through this series of 30 plates on Annibale Carracci's Farnese ceiling, published in 1641. Also known by his Italian name Giacomo Belli, it is most likely that he belonged to the same family as Nicolò and Vincenz Billy, French-born engravers and publishers active in Rome.

Magnificent proof, richly toned, printed on contemporary laid paper, with margins, small oxidation to upper right corner, otherwise in excellent condition.

Collection mark on verso: Richard Jung (Lugt 3791).

Bibliografia

Annibale Carracci e i suoi incisori, 4, p. 115; Robert-Dumesnil IV.6.12.