Workshop of Marco Antonio Rossi, “Q and R”, 1598

Workshop of Marco Antonio Rossi (active late-1500s)— author of ornamental capital designs

“Q and R”, 1598

Technical Details & Condition:

Engraving with etching on fine laid paper, issued with full margins. The fragile historic sheet has been professionally stabilised and backed with a support sheet of archival-quality washi paper.

This engraving is an illustration to Marco Antonio Rossi’s “Giardino de scrittori... nel quale si vede il vero modo di scriver facilissimamente tutte le sorte di lettere” (The Writers’ Garden... in which the true method to easily write all manners of letters is seen), published in Rome in 1598 and dedicated to Cardinal Pietro Aldobrandini.

Unlike traditional structural alphabets, Rossi's plates from this series combine strict Renaissance geometric constraints—using circles, squares, and diagonal vectors to map the ideal imperial Roman capital—alongside fluid, late-Mannerist decorative flourishes and ribbon-work. While the methodology updates classical theories popularised earlier by masters like Albrecht Dürer, the specific presentation, compass guideline lines, and ornamental style are entirely unique to Rossi’s late 16th-century Roman workshop.

The impression is strong, crisp, and evenly inked. Aside from professionally restored abraded areas and minor age-related staining, the sheet remains in fair to good condition for a graphic work of this age.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 20.0 x 28 cm
• Platemark: 16.7 x 23.9 cm

References:

• Luc Devroye (McGill University): Marco Antonio Rossi— https://luc.devroye.org/fonts-45515.html

Price & Shipping:

AU$263 (approximately US$184.61 / €160.13 / £137.13), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you’re interested in acquiring this rare and historically significant example of a template for constructing the perfect Roman imperial capitals for the letters “Q” and “R,” please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I’ll be happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.

This print has been sold