Diana Scultori Ghisi | Menelaus Holding The Body of Patroclus
Menelaus holding the Body of Patroclus c1575-88 (After Giulio Romano)
Engraving on laid paper (black ink)
24.2 x 38.7 cm
Inscription printed on lower left
'Gulios Rom.In / Achilles defuctus'
Note: Related to the fresco designed by Giulio Romano for the ceiling of the Sala di Troia, Palazzo Ducale, and a bas relief (featuring a battle between the Gauls and the Romans) also in the Palazzo Ducale.
The engraving is believed to have been created based on drawings by Giulio Romano. The finished painting in the Sala di Troja is significantly different to the engraving. Indicating that the engraving was probably completed from drawings by Romano prior to the fresco being finished.
$9,800
Diana Scultori Ghisi (1547-1612) also known as Diana Mantovana.
Born in 1547, Diana was the daughter of prominent engraver Giovanni Battista Ghisi.
Taught by her father from a young age, she is recorded as being the first woman ever allowed to sell her work under her own name.
She was also granted permission from the Pope in Rome to work and sell under the names Diana Mantuana and Diana Mantovana. This was also a first for a woman.
Diana was one of a small handful of women that were mentioned in Vasari’s book, (Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors and Architects) now the definitive text regarding foundations of Western Art history.
It has been recorded that Diana produced 62 engravings in her lifetime. She was a well regarded by the catholic church and other art professionals of her time. Diana may well have been the first working professional artist in western history.
A true pioneer in an age of change.