Antonio Tempesta, also known as il Tempestino, was

Acquired From: Leen Helmink

Colouring: Uncoloured

Condition: Fair

Date Acquired: 15/4/2024

Dealers ID No.: 19459

Description: Antonio Tempesta, also known as il Tempestino, was a skilled and prolific Italian painter and engraver whose work served as a crucial link between the Baroque artistic traditions of Rome and the influences of Antwerp's artistic culture. His career was shaped by significant early training under two renowned figures: Santi di Tito, an advocate for Counter-Mannerism, a style emphasizing clarity and realism over the complexity of Mannerism, and Joannes van der Straet (Stradanus), a Flemish artist working in Italy.nIn 1576, Tempesta became a member of the prestigious Florentine Accademia delle Arti del Disegno, where he participated in monumental projects, including the interior decoration of the Palazzo Vecchio under Giorgio Vasari's supervision. His exposure to diverse artistic styles and traditions deeply influenced his later work. Upon relocating to Rome, Tempesta developed connections with artists from the Habsburg Netherlands, enriching his artistic skills and solidifying his reputation as a master of intricate narrative engravings and dynamic compositions.nOne of Tempesta's notable engravings, often attributed to a series representing the four classical elementsEarth, Air, Fire, and Waterhighlights his ability to blend allegory with vivid naturalism. In this work, Water is depicted as a female personification, gracefully holding a tilted urn under her arm. The flowing water from the urn symbolizes the essential, life-sustaining nature of this element.nThe scenes backdrop features three ships navigating a maritime expanse, evoking themes of exploration and human reliance on water for trade and survival. In the foreground, Tempesta infuses a touch of the fantastical by incorporating sea creatures, including two striking sea monsters. These mythical elements add a dramatic and mysterious quality, showcasing his talent for merging allegorical and imaginative imagery.

First published: Rome: 1592

Mapmaker: Tempesta, Antonio (1555-1630)

Price: 300

Primary Category: Prints & Related Material

Purchase Reference: Ledgedr

Rarity: R1 Extremely rare – occasionally seen on the market

Sheet size (cm): 13.5×19.5

Technique: Copper Engraving

This state: 1592

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