Figure on Seagoat; Man Carving Wing, from "Ex Antiquis Cameorum et Gemmae Delineata"

Art Historical Context

Behold *Figure on Seagoat Man Carving Wing*, delicate engraving from the Renaissance-era publication *Ex Antiquis Came et Gemmae Deline* ("Delineations of Ancient Cameos and Gems"), published around 1599–1622. This third-state impression captures two intriguing vignettes inspired by classical antiquity: a mythical figure astride a seagoat fantastical hybrid evoking Capricorn-like sea creatures from Greco-Roman lore—and a craftsman meticulously carving a wing, symbol the artistry of ancient gem-cutters. Measuring just 3 7/16 x 4 7/8 inches, its intimate scale mirrors the tiny gems it reproduces, inviting close inspection. Crafted by a collaborative circle of Italian 16th-century talents including Battista Franco, Enea Vico, and others under Francesco Angeloni's oversight, with later involvement from Philippe Thomassin, this print exemplifies the era's passion for rediscovering and disseminating classical artifacts. Engravings like this were revolutionary, allowing precise replication of intricate intaglios and cameos through fine lines and cross-hatching, preserving motifs from lost originals for scholars and collectors. The "third state" refers to a refined edition, often with added details or corrections, highlighting the meticulous printmaking process. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Elisha Whittelsey Collection since 1949, this work reflects the Renaissance humanist drive to bridge ancient and modern worlds, celebrating both mythological whimsy and human ingenuity in craftsmanship. A window into how 17th-century viewers reimagined antiquity!

About the Artist

Francesco Angeloni|Battista Franco|Philippe Thomassin|Enea Vico|Anonymous, Italian, 16th century (Italian|Italian|French|Italian|Italian) · 1559 |1510 |1562 |1523 |1500 –1652 |1561 |1622 |1567 |1600

Terni 1559 or 1587–1652 Rome|Italian, Venice ca. 1510–1561 Venice|French, Troyes 1562–1622 Rome|Italian, Parma 1523–1567 Ferrara|