Domenico Cunego’s etching, “The Separation of Land and Water”, 1781, after Michelangelo

Domenico Cunego (1727–1803)

“The Separation of Land and Water” (aka “Producant aquae reptile animae viventis”; “Let the waters produce the creeping things of the living soul” [transl. of inscribed title]), 1781, after a section of Michelangelo Buonarroti’s (1475-1564) Sistine Chapel fresco, published in Rome in 1781 by Domenico Cunego.

Note that I have previously listed an engraving with etching of the same composition with subtle differences by Antonio Capellan (aka Antonio Capellani) (c.1740–1793): see https://www.printsandprinciples.com/2022/03/antonio-capellans-engraving-separation.html.

Etching on laid paper (with watermark), trimmed along the platemark with a thread margin.

Size: (sheet) 20.7 x 23.5 cm; (image borderline) 15.5 x 10.9 cm.

Lettered below the image borderline: (left) “Michael Angelus Bonarota in Pacello Sistino”; (centre) “Producant aquae reptile animae viventis. Gen: Cap. I. Vers. 20./ Romae aqud Dom. Cunego”; (right) “Dom. Cunego sculp Romae 1781”.

Condition: a strong and well-printed impression trimmed around the platemark in an excellent condition with no tears, holes, folds, abrasions, stains or foxing.

I am selling this sensitively executed and very beautiful small etching after a panel of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel fresco, for AU$282 in total (currently US$188.49/EUR170.54/GBP150.13 at the time of posting this listing) including Express Mail (EMS) postage and handling to anywhere in the world, but not (of course) any import duties/taxes imposed by some countries.

If you are interested in purchasing this remarkably fine translation of Michelangelo’s fresco into line, please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.

Antonio Capellan’s engraving, “The Separation of Land and Water”, 1772, after Michelangelo

Antonio Capellan (aka Antonio Capellani) (c1740–1793)

“The Separation of Land and Water”, 1772, proof impression before the addition of title and publication details after a section of Michelangelo Buonarroti’s (1475-1564) Sistine Chapel fresco, possibly later printed and published in 1773 in Rome by Gavin Hamilton (1723–1798) in the series of 40 engravings (including the title plate) by Antonio Capellan and other artists, “Schola Italica Picturae”; see two related engravings by Capellan in the British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1856-0510-201; https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1856-0510-216). Note that Domenico Cunego (1727–1803) also made an engraving reproducing the same panel of Michelangelo’s fresco, but with subtle differences (e.g. the treatment of the sky; see https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/wall-decorations/prints/old-vatican-frescoes-separation-land-from-sea-creation-eve-ca1780/id-f_27420872/).

Engraving with etching and traces of grey wash on laid paper with small margins and backed with a support sheet.

Size: (sheet) 23.1 x 26 cm; (plate) 21 x 24 cm; (image borderline) 15.7 x 20.1 cm.

Condition: a well-printed impression showing no sign of wear to the printing plate with small margins, but these have been extended by the sheet having been laid upon a support of archival (millennium quality) washi paper. There is minor surface dustiness, otherwise, the sheet is in an excellent condition. Note that under high magnification I found traces of grey wash (see detail of hand).

I am selling this sensitively executed and very beautiful engraving after a panel of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel fresco, for AU$278 in total (currently US$202.25/EUR185.35/GBP154.26 at the time of posting this listing) including Express Mail (EMS) postage and handling to anywhere in the world, but not (of course) any import duties/taxes imposed by some countries.

If you are interested in purchasing this remarkably fine engraving, please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.

This print has been sold