Bacchus, Roman god of agriculture, wine and fertility, with Fauns - From First Edition of Cartari's Le imagini de i dei de gli antichi - Images of the Gods. This was published in Venice in 1571 by Vincentio Valgrisi. The engravings were completed by Bolognino Zaltieri. This is the first illustrated edition of Cartari's work.

this was considered the "first encyclopedia of classical iconography... widely used by Renaissance and Baroque artists." (Arntzen & Rainwater). It was a highly regarded treatise on the mythology of the ancients, that explained the gods' guises and attributes. The iconography was intended to aid artists, painters, and sculptors in understanding the subject matters. Zaltieri's illustrations pictured gods working only from a textual description instead of drawing inspiration from antique representations. The work was very successful in its time and became the iconographic handbook for painters for centuries. (Cicognara)

Artist: Vincenzo Cartari

Medium: Engraving

Size: 7 5/8 by 5 5/8 inches.

Date: 1571

Condition: Very Good Antique Condition. The image area is printed fairly close to the edge. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. After all, it is over 450 years old! Please check all photos. Contact us with any questions.

Literature: Le imagini de i dei de gli antichi… or Images of the Gods