The pilaster between the first and second bays of the Raphael Loggia

Two prints by Giovanni Ottaviani reproducing the decoration of the interior pilaster, half-pilaster and pier between the first and second bays of the Loggia designed by Raphael and executed by his workshop (c.1517-19) in the Vatican. Published, as two joined sheets, as Plate 2 of the first part of Giovanni Volpato and Ottaviani, Logge di Rafaele nel Vaticano, Rome 1772-7. Not in Ruland (1876).

This publication, issued in three parts, was the first to reproduce the ornamental decoration of the pilasters, half-pilasters and vaults of the Logge in such comprehensive detail. It must be noted, however, that while the prints in the first and second parts of the publication reproduce the Logge decoration faithfully, those of the third part instead combine different motifs from it to create new designs. The repeating sequence of decoration in the Logge - see Dacos 2008 (Bibliographic References) for more information - is strongly influenced by the antique; Raphael had studied antique sculpture and painting in Rome.