Two Putti Presenting Cups Full of Gold to the God of Riches

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).

According to Massari (in Raphael Invenit 1985), the series dates to c.1532. Two impressions described as second states at RCINs 853313, 853314. The three other engravings from the Master of the Die’s series can be found at RCINs 853316, 853319, 853321. For further discussion about the ‘Giuochi di Putti’ tapestry set, see Bibliographic References.