Bartolomeo Gazalis

Bartolomeo Gazalis, a draughtsman and etcher who hailed from Genoa, is known to have been in Milan between 1720 and 1730, where he presumably worked for Alessandro Magnasco. Very little is known of Gazalis’ life and artistic activities. He made two extremely rare etchings after designs by Magnasco, both of which are on offer here. 

The present portrayal of the hermit, Paul of Thebes, being tempted by demons in his rock cave illustrates the artist’s skill as an etcher. The suggestive scene has been executed using a free and varied etching technique that produces an atmospheric, explicitly painterly effect fully in keeping with Magnasco’s art. St. Paul gazes in quiet meditation at the crucifix in his right hand, while two demons rage above him in a vain attempt to disrupt his contemplation. Rendered very convincingly is the gaunt, muscular body of the bearded old man who has spent the past sixty years in the wilderness with no human contact whatsoever. 

A very fine, contrasting impression with even margins. Minor ageing, a small, unobtrusive repair in the left-hand margin, otherwise in immaculate condition. 

12.000 €