Ecce Homo, Engraving Or Drawing From17th C. (inv. Correggio, Dis. Ag. Carracci) (375 X 270mm)

This beautiful and rare engraving or ancient drawing reproduces the Ecce Homo by Correggio painted around 1520 and now preserved at the National Gallery, but once in the collection of the Preati family of Parma, who had a copy made by Jean Boulanger, (now preserved at the Galleria Nazionale di Parma). Agostino Carracci in 1586-90 ca. made some burin engravings from this model that were printed between Venice and Bologna. It is likely that Agostino himself, in addition to the engraving, also made a painted copy of the Hecce Homo, now preserved in the Palazzo Comunale in Rimini.

Unfortunately, it is not easy to understand whether our engraving is an original prototype, but it is likely a print from a few decades after the originals by A. Carracci, among other things this one would seem to have been re-inked and lightly water-coloured by hand.
From the dedication on the parapet we recognize the same Latin phrase that appears on the original: ILLA DEI SOBOLES CERTAE DUX ILLE SALUTIS MUNDI OPIEEX NOSTROQUE UNO PRO CRIMINE PASSUS. The dedication to Card. Caetani for whom it was produced and Agostino's signature are missing compared to the original version now preserved in the collection of the Cassa di Risparmio di Bologna.

Unfortunately, the writing is no longer legible along the margin and we do not know what it reported, but next to it we can barely make out the signature certainly of the executor or designer of our work, but which is not easily legible, next to it the date that would appear to report the number 1607, but it is not certain.

The iconography corresponds to Jesus Christ crowned with thorns with his hands tied in a frontal position while he observes the viewer, around him the Madonna supported by a Mary and on the left behind a soldier with a rich helmet and on the right Pilate leaning on a parapet.

The engraving print measures 37.5cm x 27cm, and is of a considerable size, similar to the original work. The conditions are generally good, even if in some parts some restorations have been carried out. The margins are compliant and in excellent condition.

The size of the work including the frame is 40cm x 48cm.

We enclose a certificate of authenticity with the sale.