Antoni Tempesta (1555-1630) - Absolan capillis suspensus occumbit - 1613

This is a larger etching by Antonio Tempesta from his important series of twenty-four Old Testament scenes, mostly battles. A powerful work allowing to show his great capability in rendering horses and a multitude of figures in a vibrant motion.

in a wooded landscape, Absalom hanging from a tree at centre, while Joab, on horseback to right, attacks him from behind with a spear; with soldiers fleeing on all sides and Absalom's horse in foreground at centre.

Etching made by Antonio Tempesta (1555-1630) and signed bottom middle left with his initials A.E.

Published by: Nicolas van Aelst (1550-1613)

Reference:
Bartsch XVII.130.254
British Museum number X,3.167

204 x 283mm on plate border.

Condition:
Good deep black early impression with the guide lines for lettering still visible in text lines.
Full plate border and 2 mm margins around them.
Excellent condition with no folds tears or stains.
Tipped with borders only on a support sheet.

Inventor-engraver: Antonio Tempesta (1555-1630)
Painter-engraver from Florence. Important link between Flemish and Italian art. Pupil of Stradanus .His fresco of hunting and battle scenes are highly estimated. Antonio, perhaps even more then Rembrandt saw the etching technique as the medium to express his art. Tempesta is best known for his etchings for Ovid's Metamorphoses and his innovative prints of battles and hunts. (Source: Met museum)