Leviores Et (Vt Videtur) Extemporaneae Picturae Quas Grotteschas Vulgo Vocant (...)
Not on view
Series of grotesque designs for wall decorations in the manner of the Antique Roman examples. Two sets of these designs were produced. The first set was made by Enea Vico and Tomaso Barlachi and issued ca. 1541/42 in Rome. The second set, which is more sophisticated in its engraving technique was made by an unidentified engraver, active in Rome towards the middle of the sixteenth century. This set exists in several editions. The first identified edition (MIller 33C) was issued without plate numbers, possibly by the engraver himself. However, remnants of burnished inscriptions on several plates suggest an even earlier state. The second identified edition (MIller 33D) has plate numbers and was part of the print stock of Antonio Lafreri who describes the set in his 1573 inventory as 'Libro de Grottesche'. Another, much later state exists, published by Orlandi in 1602.
