Decorative pilaster incorporating the 'Border with the Four Seasons'

A print on two joined sheets representing a vertical pilaster decorated with grotesque ornament and incorporating various motifs, including the Four Seasons (from top to bottom: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter). Dated and lettered with artists' names. Numbered at upper left: No. 8. Published in G. Volpato and G. Ottaviani, 'Loggie de Rafaele nel Vaticano', vol.III, plate 8. The central vertical panel is derived from the border originally woven along the side edge of one of the tapestries from the series of 'The Acts of the Apostles' now in the Vatican Museums; it is generally known as the 'Border of the Four Seasons' (inv. no.43867.2.2). The original position of the border within the set is subject of debate. A photograph from the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection shows the 'Border of the Four Seasons' at the left of the tapestry of 'Christ's Charge to Peter' (RCIN 853039). For further discussion, see Bibliographic References.