Etching, circa 1780. Signed in the plate.

I. 21.0 x 16.5 cm, S. 27.6 x 21.6 cm.

Páez 230. A superb, early impression, with all the fine details distinct and with crisp plate edges.

Born in Zaragoza, Spain, Ramón Bayeu was, according to the British Museum, where there is another impression of this subject, "Better known as a printmaker than he is a painter. From 1765 he worked at the Royal Tapestry Factory in Madrid (Real Fábrica de Tapices de Santa Bárbara) making cartoons under the direction of his better-known brother Francisco. Ramon also assisted Francisco in the painting of frescoes but their collaboration cannot be clearly defined and it is not possible to tell how much of the work was done by Ramón. But together with the developing printmaking industry in Madrid, their collaboration was a factor that inspired Ramón to make prints.

As a printmaker Ramón was very influenced by the etchings being made by those around him, especially Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, his sons Lorenzo and Domenico who arrived in Madrid in 1762."

This etching is, like many of Ramón Bayeu's prints, based on an oil painting by his brother Francisco.

PROVENANCE
The collection of Engineer and Major Frank Bensow (1883-1969).