Portrait of an Italian Gentleman – Fine Engraving by Raimondi / Toschi after Le Duc

Beautiful 19th century engraving by two of Italy’s great printmakers – Carlo Raimondi and Paolo Toschi.  Circa 1825

A handsome gentleman with thick wavy hair and a dimpled chin looks directly at us. He wears a tall black hat and an elegant gold buttoned jacket with a lace collar, and holds a book or documents in his hand.

Lettered in lower margin with production details: “Le Duc Pinx” (painted by Le Duc)  and “L Metalli del.” (drawn by L. Metalli) and “C. Raimondi Sc Toschi inc”  (Engraved by Raimondi and incised by Toschi).

Paolo Toschi was Professor of Engraving and Director of the Academy of Parma and was commissioned to carry out the reproduction of Correggio and Parmigianino’s frescos in two San Giovanni Evangelista and in the church of hte Steccata in Parma.  These were published in forty-eight plates.  We are not certian whether this print belongs to that series or another.  Carlo Raimondi was Toschi’s pupil and collaborator.

Condition:  The central image is clean and clear, but the sheet is worn as shown and has light discoloration in the margins.  Full sheet is larger than illustated.

Dimensions: Portrait only – 13 x 16 cm – Engraving size to platemark: 21 cm  x 28 cm – Full Sheet 34 x 52 cm