Giovanni Battista Piazzetta, 'Young Girl in the Arms of a Man'
Title: Young Girl in the Arms of a Man
Artist: After Giovanni Battista Piazzetta (Italian, 1682–1754)
Medium: Engraving
Date: 1743
Dimensions: 415 x 315 mm
Signature: Signed in the plate
Condition Report: Good condition, with expected signs of age consistent with an 18th-century engraving.
Description:
This 1743 engraving is based on an original design by the celebrated Italian artist Giovanni Battista Piazzetta, a key figure of the Venetian Baroque. Known for his dramatic chiaroscuro and intimate, emotionally charged compositions, Piazzetta's work influenced European printmakers and painters alike.
This particular engraving, part of the renowned series Icones ad vivum expressae, depicts a tender yet enigmatic scene of a young girl nestled in the arms of a man. The expressive contrast of light and shadow adds depth and intensity to the composition, a hallmark of Piazzetta’s style. The artwork showcases delicate detailing, masterful line work, and rich tonal variations, making it a striking example of 18th-century Venetian printmaking.
Provenance:
Private collection
Notes:
This engraving remains a rare and collectible piece, reflecting the artistic excellence of Piazzetta’s era.
Unframed unless otherwise noted.
A fine example of 18th-century Italian engraving and Venetian Baroque artistry.