Francesco Solimena (1657-1747) - Pietro Antonio Martini (1738-1797) - Jean-Claude Richard - Il trionfo della Fede sull'eresia ad opera dei Domenicani, Sacrestia della Basilica di San

Original etching and burin engraving from the 18th century, commissioned by Abbot Jean-Claude Richard de Saint-Non. They are part of the famous editorial work "Voyage pittoresque ou Description des royaumes de Naples et de Sicile", published in Paris around 1780-1785.

Engravings on a single plate and single sheet, printed on laid paper and without watermark. Excellent inking and good state of conservation, with traces of foxing and browning as shown in the photo. Sheet intact with ample original margins. Insured shipping via Bartolini/DPD courier. To avail the insurance coverage, any damage to the package must be disputed and reported to the courier at the time of delivery. Otherwise, it will not be possible to activate the insurance reimbursement procedure.

Designer: Jean-Honoré Fragonard (as indicated by the inscription at the bottom left: "Dessiné par Fragonard"). During his journey in Italy, Fragonard produced numerous drawings copying the masterpieces of the masters encountered along the way.

Painting/Drawing: Francesco Solimena (1657 /1747)
Engraver: Pietro Antonio Martini (1738 /1797)
Publisher: Jean-Claude Richard de Saint-Non (1727 /1791)

Jean-Claude Richard de Saint-Non (Paris, 1727 – Paris, 1791), universally known as the Abbot of Saint-Non, was a central figure of French Enlightenment culture, famed as an engraver, patron, archaeologist and traveler. He was the archetype of the eighteenth-century art amateur and bound his name indissolubly to the monumental project Voyage pittoresque.

The Abbot of Saint-Non, a man of great culture, archaeologist and refined engraver, undertook his journey in Italy between 1759 and 1761, being dazzled by the beauties of the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily. Upon returning to France, he decided to personally finance an immense work that could describe those lands. To do so, he assembled an exceptional team of artists, including painters Jean-Honoré Fragonard and Hubert Robert, and used the detailed diaries of Dominique Vivant Denon (future first director of the Louvre).

The Voyage pittoresque ou Description des royaumes de Naples et de Sicile by the Abbot Jean-Claude Richard de Saint-Non (published in Paris between 1781 and 1786) is considered one of the most monumental, famous, and valuable illustrated books of the entire 18th century. It represents the editorial peak of the Grand Tour phenomenon and the apex of Enlightenment curiosity about the archaeological, artistic, and natural heritage of Southern Italy.