CALUMNY OF APELLES - Engraving by Francesco Novelli, Venice, late
18th c. This rare print is based on a drawing thought for many
years to be by Raphael which was based on the famous painting by Botticelli in
the Uffizi which was based on a written description of a lost painting by the
Hellenistic painter, Apelles. It shows a judge with ass's ears
reaching out to Calumny (Slander) while behind him are his advisors,
Suspicion and Ignorance. Calumny angrily holds a torch in one hand and
drags a young man by the hair. He pleads to the gods to witness his
innocence while Envy, a ragged man, leads Calumny and two servants,
Treachery and Deceit, who adjust her hair and dress. The two figures at far
left are Repentance and Truth (nude). This allegory was well-known in the
Renaissance and had great resonance even into the 19th c. There is a grisaille
painting based on this engraving in the Metropolitan Museum by the 19th c.
American artist, John Vanderlyn (1849).
Antique
print on old, watermarked, laid paper. Good condition for its age with
paper toning and surface wear. There is a tear at bottom center edge and
another at the lower left edge above the youth's feet (see photo). The
two tears have old repairs with tape on the back. Legend at the
bottom is in Italian script and the engraver, Francesco Novelli, is indicated
at lower right. Sheet dimensions are 9" x 12". Framed piece measures 17” x 14.”
Please
ask if questions.