Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione - Temporalis Aeternitas

Temporalis Aeternitas'; two shepherds look at the partly effaced inscription on a circular base, surrounded by other relics of antiquity. This etching is signed in plate at lower left corner "Gio. Battista Castiglione fec." and is a reverse copy from the period of a very rare etching by Castiglione depicting the transience of time. This copy was already mentioned by Ann Percy, ('Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione', Philadelphia 1971, cat.E27 with an explanation of the iconography).The same work is in the Museum of Frankfurt and the MET in NY.- Ref. Bartsch 27. The quality of the work is outstanding and equel to other Castiglione work.

Provenance: According the previous owner from the collection of Spencer Churchill, Duke of Marlborough Dimensions: 18,30 x 26,30 cm Artist Name: Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (1609-1664), After Literature: See: Bellini 1982 / L'Opera incisa di Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (63), Bartsch / Le Peintre graveur (XXI.25.27), Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione', Philadelphia 1971, cat.E27 Medium: Etching Circa: Ca. 1665 Notes: All measurements are taken on the plate mark. All lot's are listed with several high resolution images, which is the best way to give a clear and objective idea of the general very good condition. Textual condition description is limited, so please examine the images carefully and ask for more info if needed.

Condition: Outstanding impression with good plate tone on a watermarked laid paper with full plate border and margins. Condition is excellent.