Title: Pair of Large Engravings by Giovanni Volpato – Raphael, 1774

Title: Pair of Large Engravings by Giovanni Volpato – Raphael, 1774 An important pair of large antique engravings created by Giovanni Volpato in Rome in 1774, taken from the famous series *Logge di Raffaello nel Vaticano* (Raphael’s Loggias in the Vatican), dedicated to the extraordinary decorations of the Vatican Loggias executed by Raphael and his school in the 16th century. The two engravings, corresponding to plates I and II of the series, depict the elegant vertical ornamentation of the pilasters, characterized by a refined composition of grotesques, plant motifs, allegorical figures, and classically inspired decorative elements. The works were engraved by Giovanni Volpato after drawings by Ludovico Teseo and constitute a significant testament to the golden age of 18th-century Roman engraving. The “Vatican Loggias” series played a significant role in spreading the Raphaelite style and contributed to the development of the European neoclassical decorative language. The engravings bear the original inscriptions with the artists’ names, the date “Rome 1774,” and the papal privilege granted by Clement XIV. Both works are mounted in simple modern frames. The prints retain a beautiful antique character and the engraving remains clearly legible. They show signs of age, including stains, foxing, and halos, which are particularly visible at the seams where the sheets join, as documented in the photographs. They are offered in their current condition, without any restoration. A pair of great historical and decorative charm, particularly interesting for their size, the elegance of their compositions, and their connection to one of the most famous decorative cycles of the Italian Renaissance. Period: 18th century, plates dated 1774. Artist: Giovanni Volpato, after drawings by Ludovico Teseo, after Raphael. Technique: Etching and burin engraving on paper. Dimensions of each work, including frame: height 127 cm, width 57 cm. For sale: The pair.