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.