Exquisite hand coloured copper engraving after M. Pergolesi. Issued for his scarce series ‘Designs for Various Ornaments’ Design for interior panel comprising of grotesque ornament. Published 1777-1784. Artist and publisher: Michelangelo Pergolesi (Italian, active from 1760–died 1801) Engraver: Francesco Bartolozzi (Italian, Florence 1728–1815 Lisbon) Artist: After Giovanni Battista Cipriani (Italian, Florence 1727–1785 Hammersmith (active London)) Reference Thieme/Becker XXVI, 412. A fine original hand coloured copperplate from this attractive series of neo-classical designs by Pergolesi, a prolific Italian designer, painter and engraver of antique ornaments who came to England in 1760 at the invitation of Robert and James Adam. In 1777 he began issuing suites of engravings of designs for ceilings, panels, friezes, furniture and other ornaments. Some fifty of these plates had appeared by March 1785 when publication was suspended for six years, probably due to the death in 1786 of his patron, Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland. Minor marginal ink stain. Light age spotting.