Saints Peter and Paul appearing to Attila and his Huns, with Leo I the Great approaching in the far distance

A reversed outline-etching after a drawing now in the Musée du Louvre, Paris (inv. no.3873). Lettered with artists' name along the lower margin. Engraved in collaboration with Charles Coypel. Stamped with two blind stamps of the 'Chalcographie du Louvre, Musées Imperiaux' (variant of Lugt 1695). Published in 'Cabinet du Roy', a set of etchings reproducing drawings from the French royal collection, executed by Caylus. Cordellier/Py (1992) mentioned this print as published in 'Recueil Caylus', f.9v and f.10.

The drawing reproduced in this print is closely related to Raphael’s fresco of 'The Meeting between Leo the Great and Attila', from which it only differs in the left-hand group and other minor details. It has been suggested that the drawing may record an earlier idea by Raphael for the fresco, later superseded. Whether this is the original design by Raphael or a copy after it (perhaps by Giulio Romano or Penni, as sometimes suggested) is an ongoing matter of debate. However, the rectangular format of the drawing and the use of parchment have raised questions as to it being a working modello for a lunette-shaped fresco. A photograph of the drawing can be found at RCIN 852724. For further discussion, see Bibliographic References.