Enea Vico

Enea Vico, an engraver and numismatist from Parma, was trained at the studio of the Roman engraver and publisher, Tommaso Barlacchi, for whom he worked in 1541/42. Vico was greatly influenced by Agostino Veneziano and subsequently worked for the prominent Roman publishers, Antonio Salamanca and Antonio Lafreri. Later on he went to Florence to take up an appointment at the court of Cosimo I, was active in Venice and in 1563 entered the service of Alfonso II, Duke of Ferrara. While the composition of the present etching of the Three Graces is based on a design by Marcantonio Raimondi, it contains some striking differences. These are apparent in the composition of the figures and, in particular, in the design of the background which, in Raimondi’s case, is dominated by three large palm trees. As is evident from the respective captions, the works of both Vico und Raimondi draw on an ancient relief earlier assumed to be by the ancient sculptor Polykleitos. A very fine, tonal impression with wide margins. With the address of the publisher Antonio Salamanca. Minor staining, slight condition problems, otherwise in excellent condition.