Artwork
Raphael conducting Tobias
Raphael conducting Tobias is a print by Camillo Tinti. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Camillo Tinti’s engraving titled *Raphael Conducting Tobias* is a paper print that adapts a composition linked to the Renaissance master Raphael. The image derives from a drawing by Raphaelino del Garbo, itself rooted in Raphael’s visual vocabulary, and presents a tranquil, narrative moment rendered in fine line work.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts a robed adult, staff in hand, guiding a barefoot boy through a leafy woodland. The elder’s expression is serene, while the child looks downward, clutching a small bag, suggesting a journey or instruction. The quiet interaction evokes the biblical story of Tobias and his guide, a theme often used to illustrate guidance and filial duty.
Technique & Style
Tinti employs precise chiaroscuro, using delicate contrasts of light and shadow to separate the figures from the surrounding foliage. The engraving’s line work is meticulous, with fine hatching that models the drapery and the dappled woodland. The soft illumination falling on the pair enhances the sense of a calm, early‑morning atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Signed simply as *C. Tinti*, the print reflects the 18th‑century practice of reproducing celebrated compositions for a broader audience. While the original drawing by Raphaelino del Garbo is lost, Tinti’s version survived in several collections, indicating its circulation among connoisseurs interested in Raphael’s legacy.
Artist & collection
Artist
Camillo Tinti was an Italian engraver, born in Rome. He was employed by Gavin Hamilton to engrave some of the plates for his Schola Itálica; among these were the following: The Marriage of St. Catherine after…
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