Here we have a super rare Italian engraving by Domenico Maria Bonaveri (1650 - ?) after an artwork by Giovanni Battista Bolognini. This was created sometime in the 1600s, and it's definitely one of the rarest items I've ever come across. The title starts with "Professando Fra Le M.M.R.R.M.M." I'm not sure about the full title. I am sure that the detail in the image is stunning.
The backing contains very old catalog notes in ink (see pic). Please note the word "scarce."
Domenico Bonaveri was a Bolognese etcher, who was also a nephew and student of Domenico Maria Canuti. He created prints after Titian and several Bolognese artists, including the Carracci and Canuti.
Here is the biography of Bonaveri courtesy of Wikipedia:
Domenico Maria Bonavera (c. 1650– ??) was an Italian engraver. He was born in Bologna. He trained in engraving with his uncle Domenico Maria Canuti. His plates are chiefly etched and finished with the dry point. He engraved eighteen plates from the designs of Titian, for a textbook of anatomy. He completed prints depicting: The Baptism of Christ after Albani; St. Anne teaching the Virgin Mary to read, St. Theresa with the Infant Jesus, and a Martyrdom of St. Christiana after Canuti; a St. John preaching after Ludovico Carracci; Lot and his Daughters after Annibale Carracci; The Assumption fresco at the Cupola of the Duomo of Parma (1697); after Corregio.
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The only reference to this print I can find is found on this print collection website from Italy.
This early Italian engraving was found in a collection of very early and rare European prints.
The 17th century print (and backing) measures 17 3/4" wide and 13 3/4" tall. The actual engraving measures about 14 1/2" wide and 10 1/2" tall. The engraving is attached to the backing along the top edge (see pic). There is evidence of age (almost 400 years), including slight discoloration, slight tears along the edge. and a crease in the middle with separation at the top of the crease. Please see all pics as they are part of the description.
I ship FedEx to street address in the continental USA only (no PO Boxes please). The scarce print will be shipping in an acid free sleeve. Free shipping on the rare Italian engraving.
What a history with this one. It's almost as significant as the classical image.
