Here we have a stunning large etching from 1932 by Italian artist Lino Bianchi Barriviera (1906 - 1985), entitled "La Cattedrale Abbandonata". I've seen a lot of etchings and this one ranks at the top in terms of execution and detail. It's crazy good.
This is a very rare and early bird, being #12 of only 50. The art print is signed in pencil in the lower right, and numbered and titled in the lower left.
The only example I can find is on the online gallery of the artist's website in Italy. Imagine creating something like this at the age of 26. Unreal.
Here is the artist's biography courtesy of his website.
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"Lino Bianchi Barriviera (Barriviera is the maternal surname that he added to the paternal one in 1933), artist, painter and etcher, was born in Montebelluna (Treviso) in 1906 and died in Acilia (Rome) in 1985.
After the first years of his youth, he lived in Venice and Florence, settled finally in Rome in 1935, and at the end of the 70’s moved to Acilia.
The fame of the artist is mainly linked to his large production, more than 950 plates, for which he mostly used etchings but also experimented with several other techniques; it has also to be noted that he performed masterfully in other forms of arts, first of all the oil painting, and then wall frescoes and tempera decorations, wood-carving, stained-glass windows, mosaics, ceramics, embossing, stamp engravings and jewel making."
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The limited edition etching and backing board measures 17 1/2" x 17 1/2". The backing board format was common for his larger etchings. The piece is attached to the backing board, likely some sort of adhesive. The piece is experiencing some discoloration along the edges. There's a discoloration spot (foxing?) to the left of the castle (see pic). A couple small surface abrasions can be found in the top right corner (see pic). The top right corner of the backing board has a slice missing, which took a small piece of the print edging. The image is so striking and detailed that I don't think it takes away from the overall image at all. Please see all pics as they are part of the description.
I ship the continental USA only. Free shipping in acid-free sleeve.
I could look at this rare etching all day long. The dark tones and wicked detail provide plenty of bang for your buck. Don't miss out.
