Benedetto Montagna.

487

building on a mound, and below, r., the sea extends to the horizon.
Signed benedeto montagna near upper r. corner.
[160 x 115] Fair impression on reddish paper.
Inventory of 1837, W. 9-9.
Other impressions: Vienna (Alb. and H.-B.), Paris (B. N.), Berlin, Oxford (modern).
Reproduction: Illustr. 34.
Bartsch entitles this plate Les deux Musiciens, but Montagna’s probable
intention is supported by a comparison of two of the figures in the woodcut
signed Iss illustrating the contest of Apollo and Marsyas in the 1497 edition
of Ovid’s Metamorphoses (Lib. vi, fol. 49b). There is only a general resemblance
in the figures, but the somewhat unexpected bag-pipe occurs in both.
39. CYPARISSUS AND APOLLO. P. v. 158, 53.
On a knoll in the foreground Cyparissus is seen from the back holding
a bow in his 1. hand and standing over Apollo’s favourite stag, attempting
to allay his friend’s remorse. Behind the stag, just to the 1. of Cyparissus,
a tree represents the cypress into which the inconsolable youth was trans-
formed by Apollo. In the background is the sea. Signed benedeto
montagna towards the r. above.
(i) Early state.
[145 x 95]
(a) Early impression, slightly rubbed and torn.
Collection: Slade.
Bequeathed 1868. 8. 22. 25.
(b) Fair impression, on brownish paper; slightly cut [145 x 93].
Collection: Sykes (1824, No. 1097).
Inventory of 1837, W. 9-5.
Reproduction : Illustr. 35.
Other impressions: Rome (counter-proof), Rome (Vatican xiv. 4), Paris (E. de R.),
Berlin.
(ii) Late state. (P. v. 158, 53, Copy.)
[138 X 95] Completely reworked, and cut down along the top, the upper margin
being formed by a line which cuts the top of the tree and skirts the signature.
Behind the original horizon is added a bank of land, and beyond this a large sea-
port with mountains in the distance. The name Ciparisso is added above the
head of the youth whose back is turned.
Purchased 1845. 8. 25. 754.
The two figures occur in very similar attitudes over the dead stag in the
woodcut illustration in the 1497 Venice edition of the Metamorphoses (Lib. x,
fol. 85b).
40. MERCURY AND AGLAUROS. E. viii. 342, 18.—O. ii. p. 525.
Aglauros stands in a doorway os a house r., resusing Hermes admit-
tance to see her sister Herse. In the background the sea appears through
the archway in a ruined wall. Signed benedeto montagna high up near
the centre.
[158 x 103] Good impression, slightly torn near upper margin.
Collection; Buckingham (1834, No. 3982).
Purchased 1845. 8. 25. 739.
Other impressions: Vienna (Alb. and H.-B.), Paris (B. N.), Berlin.
Reproduction: Illustr. 25.
Compare Ovid, Metamorphoses, Lib. ii, and the cut signed 1st in the 1497
Venice edition (fol. 18b).