| Method | Copper engraving |
| Artist | after Guilio Romano |
| Published | [Italy, c. 1550-1599] |
| Dimensions | Image 195 x 133 mm, Plate 200 x 137 mm, Sheet 212 x 155 mm |
| Notes |
A bust of Marfisa, a fictional Asian warrior queen from Ludovico Ariosto's Orlando Furioso; an epic Italian poem composed as a continuation of Matteo Maria Boiardo's unfinished romance, Orlando Innamorato. In the story Marfisa (or "Marphisa") falls in love with the knight Ruggiero, unaware that he is her brother from who she had been separated as a child, until everything is revealed by the sorcerer and seer Atlantes. She also learns that her parents were Christian, which prompts her to convert and to join Charlemagne's army in fighting against the Saracens. Marfisa is depicted wearing a knight's armour with an ornamented helmet, with a closed visor, and the top decorated with feathers. This print is part of a series of twelve busts depicting characters from Ludovico Ariosto's Orlando Furioso. The engravings were produced after designs by Jacopo and Ottavio Strada's workshop. The design for this specific print has been attributed to Guilio Romano. (Miller, E., 16th-century Italian ornament prints in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1999, 201) Guilio Romano (1499-1546) was an Italian painter, draughtsman and architect from Rome. He apprenticed with Raphael from 1515 until the master's death in 1520. A few years later he was appointed as court painter and moved to Mantua, were he would stay for the rest of his life. Condition: Excellent impression. Light foxing. Slight ink offset and slight wear to the plate. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £175.00 |
| Stock ID | 46018 |