MASTER OF THE DIE (ACTIVE 1530-60)

Two Putti Mocking a Monkey

dated c.1530-35; republished 1655

Engraving | 23.4 x 30.3 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 853320

A print from a series of four engravings reproducing the composition of four tapestries from a twenty-piece set known as the ‘Giuochi di putti’, most likely designed by Giovanni da Udine (perhaps with Raphael's involvement in its conception) and woven in Flanders for Pope Leo X. Not in Ruland (1876). On watermarked paper, pasted to backing sheet along upper edge. Late state, published in 1655 by Giovanni Giacomo de' Rossi. Signed with engraver’s monogram (a die with the letter B, lower right). Lettered with attribution of the design to Raphael and Antoine Lafréry’s address. The inscription 'Tapezzerie del Papa' was added in occasion of the 1602 re-issue of the series by Giacomo Orlandi (whose address was replaced by G.G. de Rossi's, lower centre).

Massari (in Raphael Invenit 1985) dated the series to c.1532. For an impression generally described as second state, see RCIN 853319. The three other engravings from the Master of the Die’s series can be found at RCINs 853313, 853316, 853321. For further discussion about the ‘Giuochi di Putti’ tapestry set, see Bibliographic References.

Creator(s)

Master of the Die (active 1530-60) (engraver)

Giovanni da Udine (c. 1487-1564) (designer)

Associated with Raphael (1483-1520) (designer)

Antoine Lafréry (1512-77) (publisher)

Giovanni Orlandi (active 1590-1646) (publisher)

Subject(s)

Pope Leo X (1475-1521)
watermark: Double circle with an indistinct figure within
23.4 x 30.3 cm (sheet of paper)

20.9 x 28.3 cm (platemark)
Added to the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection (after 1876)
Subject(s)
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
  Biological sciences
  Zoology
  Animals
  Mythical creatures
  Putti
  Mammals
  Apes & Monkeys
- Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
  Decorative techniques & surface decoration
  Floral decorations
  Garlands
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 pp.137-8, no.II.3 (entry by Stefania Massari)

Cordellier/Py 1992 : Raphael : son atelier, ses copistes, 1992 / par Dominique Cordellier et Bernadette Py, Paris (Inventaire general des dessins Italiens ; V / sous la direction de Francoise Viatte) pp.606-11

Tapestry in the Renaissance 2002 : Tapestry in the Renaissance. Art and Magnificence, ed. Thomas P. Campbell, The Metropolitan Museum of Art 2002 pp.229-33

Other number(s)

Ruland p.258 D.I.5a(add)

Two Putti Mocking a Monkey

Creator(s)

Subject(s)

Subject(s)

Object type(s)

Bibliographic reference(s)

Other number(s)

Keep in touch

Policy links