Giovanni Battista d'Angolo

Giovanni Battista d'Angolo, pupil and son-in-law of the painter Francesco Torbido, was the leader of a group of Veronese artists responsible for promoting the etching technique during the mid-16th century in northern Italy, especially in the Veneto region. The group also included Giovanni's son, Marco d'Angolo, Horatio and Paolo Farinati, Giovanni Battista and Giulio Fontana, and Angelo Falconetto.

The outstanding feature of this impressive depiction of Saint Roch of Montpellier is the statuesque monumentality of the saint who dominates the scene. The imposing verticality of his figure is reinforced by a towering tree trunk. The characteristic hilly landscape of the Veneto has been rendered with rapid, confidently foreshortening strokes.

Saint Roch of Montpellier (circa 1295–1379) was the patron saint of Venice, where he was the object of special veneration especially after his relics had been transferred to the local Church of San Rocco in 1485. The mediaeval saint was revered as a patron against the plague and epidemics. This impressive and very rare print is thus a Venetian compositional formula par excellence; Battista’s etching, which has been executed in a confident and technically sophisticated manner, is regarded as one of the main works in his printed oeuvre. A superb, harmonious and tonal impression with even margins. Minor defects, otherwise in excellent condition.

24.000 €