Disegno et sito del suntuoso giardino et palazzo ad ornato...

Etching and engraving, circa 1625/30, unsigned and without printing details.

Anonymous and extremely rare depiction of the Villa Medici in Rome.

Located on Monte Pincio, it was the Roman residence of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, and the print illustrates its luxurious Renaissance gardens and rich art collection.

At the top is the title "Disegno et sito del svntvoso giardino et palazzo ad ornato con diverse antiche del sereniss gran dvca di toscana nel monte pincio".

The perspective view is based on the model introduced by Antonio Tempesta in the early 17th century, replicated by Matthäus Greuter in 1623. On the right is the "Tavola delle cose più notabili", a numbered key-legend (from 1 to 49) that meticulously lists the positions of ancient statues (such as those of Jupiter, Bacchus, Mercury, and Sabina), fountains, and geometric paths. On the lower left, the "Vigna di Roma grande" and the tree-lined hillside are depicted.

This anon “replica” is printed on French laid paper from the first quarter of the 16th century; the "double C crossed with the Cross of Lorraine" (Lieure no. 29), a typical paper found in the engravings of the Lorraine artist Jacques Callot.

A magnificent work, rich in tone, with margins, in excellent condition. An extremely rare work, not described in the repertoires.