Francesco Bartolozzi (1727–1815) after Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, called Il Guercino (1591–1666) – “Woman with a Book”

Francesco Bartolozzi (1727–1815) after Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, called Il Guercino (1591–1666) – “Woman with a Book”
Brown ink line engraving, c. 1770–1790. Mounted on early 19th-century collector’s album paper with old annotation: “Mazzoli – Scuola Bolognese.”

A fine late-18th-century brown-ink engraving by Francesco Bartolozzi, executed after a drawing attributed to Guercino, one of the leading masters of the Bolognese Baroque. Bartolozzi, celebrated for his refined sepia line technique and his ability to evoke the character of Old Master drawings, captures the elegance of the source composition with flowing contours, delicate cross-hatching and the soft modelling typical of Guercino’s manner. The impression is mounted on an early 19th-century collector’s album sheet bearing an old handwritten annotation and catalogue number, a practice typical among connoisseurs of Italian drawings and prints of the period and adding provenance interest.

Condition: Good condition for age; light toning and minor spotting as expected for 18th-century paper; mounted on early 19th-century album sheet with old handwritten note; no tears or losses; strong, clean impression with good line definition. Please refer to the photos for details.

Dimensions:
Plate: 21,8x18,5 cm
Sheet: 30x40

Provenance: Private European collection; early 19th-century collector’s annotation on mount.

Artist Information:
Francesco Bartolozzi (1727–1815) was one of the most important engravers of the 18th century, active in Venice, Florence and London. His sepia line engravings after Old Master drawings are held in major museums including the British Museum, the Royal Collection and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Il Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, 1591–1666) was a central figure of the Bolognese Baroque, celebrated for his expressive drawings and fluid draftsmanship.

Shipping: Shipped flat, securely packed; worldwide tracked and insured delivery.

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