Bidspirit auction | Francesco Bartolozzi

Francesco Bartolozzi - Rare Engraving - Flora with Four Putti - Francesco Bartolozzi - Guercino - 1764. Magnificent copper engraving by Francesco Bartolozzi, ater Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (Guercino). Publishing in 1764 years, Italy. The sample is taken from the work ”Original Paintings and Drawings of Guercino in the Collection of His Majesty.” The painting depicts Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, surrounded by four putti, which are chubby infant male figures often associated with Greek and Roman mythology. Flora is portrayed as a graceful and beautiful woman, adorned with a crown of flowers and holding a bouquet of blossoms in her hands. She is depicted in a dynamic pose, standing amidst a lush garden or landscape, symbolizing the abundance and fertility of nature. The four putti surrounding Flora represent cherubs or childlike figures often found in classical mythology. They are shown engaging with the flowers and plants around them, interacting with Flora and adding a sense of playfulness and innocence to the composition. Francesco Bartolozzi is an Italian draftsman, watercolor painter and engraver, the greatest master of etching, dotted style, in particular colored dotted line and pencil etching style. From 1764 he worked in England, where he created a school of color reproduction engravings. Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (1591 – 1666) better known as Guercino, was an Italian Baroque painter and draftsman from Cento in the Emilia region, who was active in Rome and Bologna. The vigorous naturalism of his early manner contrasts with the classical equilibrium of his later works. His many drawings are noted for their luminosity and lively style.