Tapestries
Tapestries
Christ descending into Limbo
dated 1541Engraving | 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.
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.
Added to the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection (c.1853-76)
