Luigi Cunego, “The Liberation of Saint Peter”, 1779, after Domenichino

Luigi Cunego (also known as Aloisius Cunego and Aloysio Cunego) (1757–1823)

“The Liberation of Saint Peter”, 1779

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching with engraving on heavy laid paper with small margins. The engraving is based on a design derived from a fresco by Domenichino (also known as Domenico Zampieri) (1581–1641), located in the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in Chains) in Rome. It depicts the biblical scene from Acts of the Apostles, chapter 12, verse 7: “Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. ‘Quick, get up!’ he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.” (New International Version [NIV]). The print was published in Rome by Domenico Cunego (1727–1803), Luigi Cunego’s father.

This impression is a richly inked, lifetime impression, with crisp, clear lines and no signs of wear to the printing plate. Aside from minor surface marks, the sheet is in excellent condition—free of tears, holes, folds, abrasions, or significant stains.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 47.5 x 30.4 cm
• Platemark: 46.1 x 28.1 cm
• Image borderline: 38 x 25 cm

Plate lettering below the image borderline:

• Left: “Dominicus Zampieri pinxit”
• Centre: “Surge velociter/ Et ceciderunt catene de manibus euis/ Act: Apos: Cap. 12. Vers. 7./ Ex Tabula in Templo S. Petri in Vinculis/ Romæ apud Dominicus Cunego”
• Right: “Aloisius Cunego del. et. Sculp. 1779.”

References:

• Los Angeles County Museum of Art: https://collections.lacma.org/node/248470
• Calcografia Nazionale Rome: https://www.calcografica.it/stampe/inventario.php?id=S-CL2224_3116

Price & Shipping:

AU$288 (approximately US$192.54 / €165.93 / £143.96), including worldwide express shipping. Please note that import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this superb example of chiaroscuro lighting within a Baroque composition, please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.