DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.51585#0143
RAPHAEL SANZIO d’uRBINO.
139
The set of large engravings by Thomas Hol-
loway was begun by him in 1800, and was not
quite completed at his death in 1826. These en-
gravings have been praised for the “ finished and
elaborate style in which they have been executed,”
and they deserve this praise; but, as transcripts
of the cartoons, they are altogether false in point
of style. They are too metallic, too mechanical,
too laboured: a set of masterly etchings would
better convey an impression of the slight free
execution, the spiritual ease of the originals. These
engravings give one the idea of being done from
highly finished, deeply coloured oil-pictures.
Since 1837 a large set has been commenced by
John Burnett, in a mixed, rather coarse style, but
effective and spirited ; they are sold at a cheap
rate.
Lastly, a set has been commenced by Mr. L.
Gruner, whose exquisite taste and classical style of
engraving, as well as his profound acquaintance
with the works and genius of Raphael, render him
particularly fit for the task.
Raphael finished these cartoons in 1516. They
are all from fourteen to eighteen feet in length,
and about twelve feet high; the figures above life
size, drawn with chalk upon strong paper, and
coloured in distemper. He received for his designs
four hundred and thirty-four gold ducats (about
650Z.), which were paid to him, three hundred on
139
The set of large engravings by Thomas Hol-
loway was begun by him in 1800, and was not
quite completed at his death in 1826. These en-
gravings have been praised for the “ finished and
elaborate style in which they have been executed,”
and they deserve this praise; but, as transcripts
of the cartoons, they are altogether false in point
of style. They are too metallic, too mechanical,
too laboured: a set of masterly etchings would
better convey an impression of the slight free
execution, the spiritual ease of the originals. These
engravings give one the idea of being done from
highly finished, deeply coloured oil-pictures.
Since 1837 a large set has been commenced by
John Burnett, in a mixed, rather coarse style, but
effective and spirited ; they are sold at a cheap
rate.
Lastly, a set has been commenced by Mr. L.
Gruner, whose exquisite taste and classical style of
engraving, as well as his profound acquaintance
with the works and genius of Raphael, render him
particularly fit for the task.
Raphael finished these cartoons in 1516. They
are all from fourteen to eighteen feet in length,
and about twelve feet high; the figures above life
size, drawn with chalk upon strong paper, and
coloured in distemper. He received for his designs
four hundred and thirty-four gold ducats (about
650Z.), which were paid to him, three hundred on