Francesco Bartolozzi (1728–1815)
“Holy Family”, c. 1764
Technical Details & Condition:
Etching printed in a rich dark brown ink on heavy laid paper, trimmed
unevenly with some significant losses of the writing edge. The sheet has been
professionally laid onto washi paper for support and features wide margins. It
was published in Rome in 1764 as a plate in the series of twenty-eight etchings
after Guercino (also known as Giovanni Francesco Barbieri) (1591–1666)
by various artists titled “Raccolta di alcuni disegni di Barbieri da Cento
detto il Guercino”. For reference, see https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1929-1028-6-1.
The design is based on a drawing by Guercino, which was part of the
collection of the print publisher, collector, and printmaker Antonio Maria
Zanetti I (1680–1767) at the time of this print’s creation.
The impression is strong and well-printed, though the sheet shows
notable signs of handling, including marks, abrasions (notably around Christ’s
genitals), and fractures.
Dimensions:
• Sheet: 37.8 x 28.2 cm
• Image borderline: 35.8 x 26.9 cm
In-Plate Lettering:
• Lower-left corner: “Guercino da Cento inv”
References:
• Calabi & De Vesme 2111 (Augusto Calabi, Francesco Bartolozzi.
Catalogue des estampes et notice biographique d'après les manuscrits de A. De
Vesme entièrement réformés et complétés d'une étude critique par A. Calabi,
1828, Milan, Guido Modiano, cat. no. 2111)
• British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_S-5-13
• National Galleries of Scotland: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/158056
Price & Shipping:
AU$261 (approx. US$183.54 / €157.02 / £136.95),
including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes (if any) are the
buyer’s responsibility.
To acquire this masterfully executed and richly glowing etching of the
Virgin Mary breastfeeding the Christ Child, with Saint Joseph looking on,
please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com.
I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless transaction.
































































