Artwork
Fragments from Ancient Cameos in the Grimani Collection [Plate II]
![Fragments from Ancient Cameos in the Grimani Collection [Plate II], by Enea Vico, ink, 1556](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/enea-vico--fragments-from-ancient-cameos-in-the-grimani-collection-plat--6333de7ba7491db7-w1024.webp)
Fragments from Ancient Cameos in the Grimani Collection [Plate II] is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Enea Vico. It dates from 1556 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Fragments from Ancient Cameos in the Grimani Collection [Plate II] is a 1556 engraving by Enea Vico, an Italian artist known for translating antique motifs into prints. This work is part of a series documenting fragments of ancient cameos from the esteemed Grimani Collection.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving presents 12 detailed, black-and-white drawings of ancient statues and reliefs, depicting various mythological scenes and figures in both dynamic and static poses. These fragments collectively evoke a sense of archaeological documentation.
Technique & Style
Vico employed engraving to recreate intricate details of the ancient artifacts, reflecting his expertise in rendering antique subjects. The composition’s grid format suggests a systematic, scholarly approach to presenting the collection.
History & Provenance
Created for a prominent patron (likely within Vico’s circle of nobles like the Medici or Este families), the print originally belonged to a larger series showcasing the Grimani Collection’s treasures. Vico’s work was likely influenced by his connections to wealthy collectors.
Context
Produced in 1556, this engraving situates itself within the Renaissance’s revival of classical antiquity. Vico’s work catered to the era’s fascination with ancient art and scholarship, reflecting the intersection of art and antiquarianism.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of this plate are not well-documented, Vico’s contributions to the dissemination of ancient motifs through engraving influenced subsequent artistic and scholarly practices in Early Modern Europe.
Artist & collection
Artist
Enea Vico (29 January 1523 – 18 August 1567) was an Italian engraver. Vico was born in Parma. He specialized in grotesque engravings based on antique paintings. Vico made engravings for Cosimo I de' Medici, Grand Duke…
![Fragments from Ancient Cameos in the Grimani Collection [Plate I], by Enea Vico](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/enea-vico--fragments-from-ancient-cameos-in-the-grimani-collection-plat--1f564c058ab46ade-w320.webp)
![Fragments from Ancient Cameos in the Grimani Collection [Plate III], by Enea Vico](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/enea-vico--fragments-from-ancient-cameos-in-the-grimani-collection-plat--bf2c0f15852500f8-w320.webp)
