NICOLAS BEATRIZET (ACTIVE 1540-72)

Christ descending into Limbo

dated 1541

Engraving | 28.1 x 17.4 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 853280

A print generally described as probably after a lost design by Raphael. First state. Signed with engraver's monogram, dated and lettered at lower centre (with publisher's address and invenit of Raphael). For a later state dated 1571 and with the address of Lafréry, see RCIN 853281.

The composition corresponds, in reverse, with the tapestry of this subject part of the so-called Scuola Nuova set depicting scenes from the Life of Christ. The tapestry of Christ descending into Limbo is the only one from the set having got lost. The composition is known from various prints including the present one and an etching by Sommereau dated 1779 (see RCIN 853279). The other eleven tapestries survive today in the Vatican Museums. For further discussion, see Bibliographic References.

Creator(s)

Nicolas Beatrizet (active 1540-72) (engraver)

After a work attributed to Raphael (1483-1520) (designer)

Tommaso Barlacchi : Rome (publisher)
28.1 x 17.4 cm (sheet of paper)
Added to the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection (c.1853-76)
Object type(s)
Bibliographic reference(s)

Raphael Invenit 1985 : G. Bernini Pezzini et al., Raphael Invenit. Stampe di Raffaello nelle Collezioni dell'Istituto Nazionale per la Grafica, Rome, 1985 p.141, no.V.1 (entry by Stefania Massari)

Höper 2001 : Höper, C. Raffael und die Folgen, Hatje Cantz Verlag, 2001 p.504, no.H 18.1

Tapestry in the Renaissance 2002 : Tapestry in the Renaissance. Art and Magnificence, ed. Thomas P. Campbell, The Metropolitan Museum of Art 2002 pp.236-41

Other number(s)

Ruland p.257 C.V.2

Christ descending into Limbo

Creator(s)

Object type(s)

Bibliographic reference(s)

Other number(s)

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