Artwork
Endpaper
Endpaper is an ink print by the Baroque artist Giovanni Battista Remondini. It dates from 1738 and is held in the collection of the Rosenwald Collection.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1738 by the Italian printmaker Giovanni Battista Remondini, this work is a woodcut executed with gold metallic ink on a sheet of hand‑washed yellow paper. The composition consists of a repetitive, textured arrangement of tiny dots and linear elements, framed by an irregular, uneven border that emphasizes its handcrafted nature.
Technique & Style
The image was produced by carving the design into a wooden block, inking it with a gold‑toned metallic pigment, and pressing it onto the prepared paper. The hand‑washing of the paper gives it a warm, uneven tone, while the metallic ink reflects light, creating a subtle sense of depth and tactile richness characteristic of late Baroque decorative prints.
Subject & Meaning
Rather than depicting a narrative scene, the print presents an abstract ornamental pattern. The repetitive dots and lines function as a decorative motif, likely intended to embellish book interiors or serve as a luxurious endpaper, enhancing the visual appeal of the surrounding volume.
History & Provenance
Remondini operated a prolific publishing workshop in Bassano del Grappa, known for producing affordable yet finely crafted prints for a broad market. This particular endpaper exemplifies the workshop’s output during the mid‑18th century, when gold‑infused prints were popular for their perceived elegance in bookbinding and decorative applications.
