Pan and Syrinx

A mezzotint by Pieter Schenk based on the engraving by Marco Dente (see RCIN 853874) which reproduces, in reverse and with additions in the background, a drawing in the Louvre, Paris (inv.no.4035) attributed to Giulio Romano. The Louvre drawing is considered a preparatory study for the fresco, designed by Raphael, depicting Pan and Syrinx on the west wall of the stufetta, or bathroom, in the apartments of Cardinal Bibbiena in the Vatican Palace. The stufetta was frescoed with mythological subjects by Raphael's workshop c.1516. Lettered below image with printmaker's name and publication line: 'Petrius Schenk inven fecit et Exc: Amsteld: Cum Privil. Ord. Holl: et West - Fris'. Annotated on verso.

Cardinal Bibbiena had a close friendship with Raphael, patronising him on a number of occasions and, it would seem, facilitating the betrothal of the artist to his niece. In addition to the stufetta, Raphael's workshop also painted Cardinal Bibbiena's loggia. Both spaces were designed in a manner imitating ancient Roman painted decoration, and included depictions of episodes from Ovid, grotesques and ornamental motifs. The stufetta was rediscovered in the nineteenth century and survives in a much damaged form today; the loggetta was not rediscovered until the twentieth century.