Jacopo Leonardis, “Columnar Hill of Segalizzo near Valdagno”, 1778, after Antonio de Bitto

Jacopo Leonardis (also known as Giacomo Leonardis) (1723–c.1782)

“Columnar Hill of Segalizzo near Valdagno”, 1778

Historical Context:

This etching is from an important geological series executed in Venice under the patronage of the British diplomat and naturalist John Strange (1732–1799). It is based on a painting by Antonio de Bittio (1722–1797), whom Strange employed to create accurate scientific illustrations of volcanic phenomena across Europe. The print depicts a dramatic hillside outcrop of prismatic columnar basalt found in the Vicentine region (Vicenza) of northern Italy—located approximately 75 to 80 kilometres west of Venice. The local stone, historically referred to as Segalizzo basalt, is renowned for its remarkably fine, compact, and homogeneous texture that can be polished to a glossy, mirror-like black finish.

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching printed on heavy laid paper with small margins of approximately 3 mm extending beyond the platemark. Note on Medium: While historical references and the in-plate Latin abbreviation “sculp.” conventionally categorise this series under the generic umbrella of 18th-century “engravings,” close technical inspection reveals it to be an etching. The lines display the classic uniform thickness and fluid, hand-drawn character typical of the Venetian etching tradition, entirely free of the rigid, tapered lines associated with pure burin engraving.

This is a richly inked and evenly printed impression showcasing excellent tonal contrast and clarity. It features early ink notations inscribed by an old hand below the lower borderline, providing an English translation of the title, “Columnar Hill of Segalizzo near Valdagno.”, and its corresponding series plate number, “No. 1.” Aside from minor, negligible surface marks in the margins, the sheet remains in excellent condition—entirely free of tears, folds, modern restoration, or significant staining.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 28.8 x 40.3 cm
• Platemark: 27.7 x 39.5 cm
• Outer Image borderline: 24.7 x 36.5 cm

In-Plate Lettering (below the image borderline):

• Left: “Anton^s_de Bittio pinx.”
• Right: “Jac. Leonardis scul_Venetiis..”

References:

• Neither LeBlanc (vol. 2, p. 534) nor Nagler (vol. 7, p. 439) describe this specific regional view.
• Later reissued in London by John Manson (1825) in A Series of Plates Representing the Most Extraordinary and Interesting Basaltic Mountains, Caverns and Causeways in the Known World.
• For a description of the complete basalt series in which this plate features, see Damien Voglaire Auctions: Lot 207 — https://www.voglaire.com/lot/85975/7725932-de-bittio-dapres-antonio-1722-1797-gravures-sur

Price & Shipping:

AU$294 in total (approximately US$206.74 / €181.61 / £156.15), including worldwide express shipping. Please note that import duties are the buyer's responsibility.

If you are interested in purchasing this intriguing etching by a prominent pupil of the great Venetian artist, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696–1770), documenting the rare columnar basalt formations near Valdagno, in northeastern Italy, please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. A secure PayPal invoice will be generated to complete your transaction seamlessly.