Nicolas Dorigny, “Hercules”, 1704

Nicolas Dorigny (aka Nicholas Dorigny) (1658–1746)

“Hercules” (aka “Ercole”; “La Medesima Statua dell'Ercole in Altra Veduta. Nel Palazzo Farnese” [The same statue of Hercules from another view. In the Farnese Palace]), 1704, plate L (50) from the series, “Raccolta di Statue Antiche e Moderne” (aka “Raccolta di statue antiche e moderne: data in luce sotto i gloriosi auspici della Santita di N.S. Papa Clemente XI” [Collection of ancient and modern statues: brought to light under the glorious auspices of the Holiness of Our Lord Pope Clement XI]), published and printed in Rome in 1704 by Domenico de’ Rossi (aka Domenico Freddiani; Dominicus de Rubeis) (1647–1729).

Archive.org offer an online view of this print and its context in the publication: https://archive.org/details/gri_33125012605057/page/n219/mode/2up. Note that another view of the same sculpture is shown as plate XLIX: https://archive.org/details/gri_33125012605057/page/n218/mode/1up.

The following extract from the description offered in the publication is interesting as I was not aware of the significance of the draped form that Hercules leans upon: (transl.) “He [Hercules] is naked in the act of pouncing after his labours with a full club, and it is the work of Glycon the Athenian, as can be clearly seen from the ancient Greek reference to him struck in the phallus, against which he rests the club.” (https://archive.org/details/gri_33125012605057/page/n45/mode/1up).

Engraving and etching on heavy laid paper with full margins as published.

Size: (sheet) 46.8 x 34.7 cm; (plate) 34.3 x 21.6 cm; (image) 31.9 x 20.5 cm

Lettered in plate within the image borderline: (upper right corner) “L.”; (lower right) “Nic.Dorigny delin. et Sculp”.

Lettered in plate below the image borderline: (left) “In Roma nella Stamp^a. di Dom^co. de Rossi alla Pace, con Priuil^o.”; (centre) “LA MEDESIMA STATVA DELL'ERCOLE IN ALTRA VEDVTA./ Nel Palazzo Farnese”.

IFF 56–88 (Roger-Armand Weigert 1954, “Inventaire du Fonds Français: Graveurs du XVIIe Sièle: CHAUVEL–DUVIVIER”, Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Département des Estampes, vol. 3, p. 499, cat. nos. 56–88 [see https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k5489228q/f510.double]).

Condition: a strong and well-printed (near faultless) impression in a near pristine condition for its large size and age, with no tears, holes, folds, abrasions or significant stains.

I am selling this large and rare etching of the famous Farnese Hercules from almost the same angle of view as engraved by Hendrick Goltzius (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/343588), for a total cost of AU$302 (approx. US$196.67, EUR 167.27, or GBP 146.52). Global express shipping is included. Import duties, if any, are the buyer's responsibility.

If you are interested in purchasing this exceptionally beautiful translation of the famous marble sculpture into line, please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.

This print was sold