A fairly rare, highly decorative antique glazed oval gilt plaster covered (gesso) wooden framed, hand coloured, stipple engraved print by the highly collectable engraver Francesco Bartolozzi. The subject we believe is a Bacchante, a young woman in a diaphanous dress and blue silk shawl, her right breast is exposed, she has a crown of flowers in her hair and is drinking from a golden cup. This engraving is after a painting by his friend Giovanni Battista Cipriani (1727-1785). Each artist is credited on the lower edge of the print which dates to the late 18th century circa 1780.

Francesco Bartolozzi RA (1727-1815) was an Italian, the son of a goldsmith, Bartolozzi studied painting in Florence, trained as an engraver in Venice and began his career in Rome. In 1763 Richard Dalton, art dealer and librarian to George III, met him and invited him to London, promising him a post as engraver to the king. Bartolozzi moved to London the following year and remained for thirty-five years. He executed numerous engravings for the King. He also made many engravings of paintings by Italian masters and by his friend, the painter Giovanni Cipriani. In 1768 Bartolozzi was the only engraver to become a founder member of the Royal Academy of Arts. He moved to Lisbon in 1802 as director of the National Academy.

The frame measures 8 inches (20 cm) high by 7 inches  (17.8 cm) wide. The visible print ignoring the border is 3 3/8 inches wide by 4 3/8 inches high. It weighs 268 grammes unpacked.

It is in good antique condition. There is a little foxing to the border and the frame has some rubbing and marking to the gilding. There is some scratching to the glass.

This is a lovely antique 18th century print and ideal for collectors of classical Greek or Roman Mythology, the works of the Francesco Bartolozzi, Giovanni Battista Cipriani or Royal Academicians.