• Address: N. E. 72 tERRACE, Miami, FL 33138 (map)
• Date Posted: 10/24/09

Outstanding Annibale Carracci “Adoration of the Shepherds” Etching

Annibale Carracci was born in Bologna, and in all likelihood first apprenticed within his family. In 1582, Annibale, his brother Agostino, and his cousin Ludovico Carracciopened a painter’s studio, called by some initially as the Academy of Desiderosi (Desirous of fame and learning) or subsequently of the Incamminati (progressives; literally “of those opening a new way”). While the Carraccis laid emphasis on the typically Florentine linear draftsmanship, as exemplified by Raphael and Andrea del Sarto, their style also derived from Venetian painters an attention to the glimmering colors and mistier edge of objects. This eclecticism would define artists of the Baroque Emilian or Bolognese School.

Annibale Carracci etchings were influential and illustrate, in part, one of the aesthetic aims of the Carracci reform: to combine northern Italian naturalism with central Italian principles of design (known as disegno). Trained to use the burin by his brother Agostino, a professional engraver, Annibale soon turned to etching, a technique that allowed him to emulate the quick, fluid pen strokes of his drawings. Here the immediacy of the medium contributes to the expressive intensity of this depiction of Saint Jerome, who, in the midst of his self-mortification, experiences a divine vision.

“The Adoration of the Shepherds” by Annibale Carracci, Etching on laid trimmed paper, final state of 3 states attributed to be a 19 century impression, listed in the Bartsch catalogue resume #2. The drawing for the work is in the Pierpont Morgan Library and measure 4.25 by 5.25 inches in good condition, a very fine quality impression.

Pre Auction estimate for this work is $800.00 to $1200.00.