Large 16th Century Biblical Engraving – The Descent
from the Cross – Giovanni Battista Cavalieri after Daniele da Volterra –
Lugt 2748 Collection
Daniele da Volterra (1509–1566)’s fresco The
Deposition of Christ (also known as The Descent from the Cross)
remains one of his most celebrated works. Originally commissioned in 1541 for
the Orsini Chapel in the church of Santissima Trinità dei Monti in Rome, the
painting depicted the dramatic moment of Christ’s removal from the cross.
Though now heavily restored and relocated to another chapel in Trinità dei
Monti, its powerful composition continues to influence religious art.
The fresco’s innovative arrangement connects the
sacrificial death of Christ with the raw, human mourning of the Virgin Mary.
The dynamic, spiraling arrangement of limbs leads the viewer’s gaze from the
divine figure of Christ down to Mary, consumed in visible grief—a moment of
profoundly relatable emotion. Nicolas Poussin famously named this fresco one of
the three greatest paintings in Rome, alongside Domenichino’s Last Communion
of St. Jerome and Raphael’s Transfiguration. Tragically, the
original has suffered severe damage, leaving us reliant on early copies and
prints to glimpse its former grandeur.
This engraving by Giovanni Battista Cavalieri
(1525–1601), likely produced around 1566 in memory of Volterra’s death, is a
striking testament to both masters. Cavalieri’s linework and tonal range
showcase his engraving skill. Yet the print also reveals anatomical and
perspective inaccuracies, suggesting that, unlike leading painters of the time,
Cavalieri may have lacked formal training in volumetric construction and
anatomy. Nevertheless, this print remains a high Renaissance
masterpiece—uniting the creative vision of Daniele da Volterra and the
technical finesse of Giovanni Battista Cavalieri.
This impression is notably rare. To date, I am aware of
only two other examples, but in poorer conditions, held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of
Art and
Condition:
This sheet is in excellent condition for its age. It is permanently mounted to
a backing paper. The image itself shows no major damage; however, the backing
paper has minor damage at the lower right corner. A horizontal fold mark is
faintly visible from the front and more evident from the back. Two small tape
marks appear at the top edge from prior mounting. The ink remains strong and
crisp, suggesting an early impression. The sheet shows minor discoloration and
foxing and has been trimmed just outside the plate mark.
Collector's Mark:
This impression bears the collector's stamp Lugt 2748 with the number
"32" inscribed below, indicating previous ownership by a documented
collector of note.
Dimensions:
Inscriptions
Condition Report
Provenance
Disclaimer:
Every effort has been made to verify the accuracy and authenticity of this
print through careful research. However, this item is sold as-is, with no
warranties or guarantees regarding attribution or provenance.