Important Baroque Engraving By Pietro Testa (1612–1650), Rome, 17th Century

Large Baroque print depicting *The Sacrifice of Xenophon’s Hunt Celebrated to Diana* (*Il Sacrificio della Caccia di Senofonte celebrato a Diana*), based on a composition by Pietro Testa (1612–1650), one of the most brilliant draftsmen and engravers of the Roman Baroque period.
The scene, inspired by the writings of Xenophon, depicts a sacrificial ceremony offered to Diana (Artemis), goddess of the hunt. Around a blazing altar, a procession of hunters, priests, servants, and musicians comes to life, while in the background stands an elegant circular temple housing the statue of the goddess. The composition, rich in narrative detail, perfectly illustrates the humanist culture of 17th-century Rome and the taste for subjects drawn from antiquity.
The print is dedicated to Donna Barbara Barberini, Princess of Palestrina, a member of the illustrious Barberini family and a patron of the arts.
A beautiful Roman edition published by Giovanni Giacomo de Rossi (1627–1691), the leading print publisher of Baroque Rome, printed in the 17th century.
A print on antique laid paper, hand-colored, likely from the period. A high-quality print, retaining excellent finesse in the engraving details.
Presented in a gilded wooden frame.

Dimensions of the engraving: 61 x 42.5 cm
Dimensions with frame: 79 x 61 cm

Condition: Very good overall condition. A few slight signs of age consistent with its age. Framed under glass.