Venus and Vulcan at the forge.

Engraving, 19 x 31 cm, laid paper with Italian watermark (Fleur-de-lis: Heawood 1600), signed with monogram in lower left corner "G.MAF. PIRINVS.IN." (trimmed just within platemarks, sl. gray impression, publ. address in right bottom edge erased).

This mythological scene, based upon a drawing made by Perino del Vaga (1501-1549), counts as one of the finest examples of Roman reproductive printmaking. Del Vaga's style was renowned for its vitality and elegance, and was quickly copied by Italian engravers such as Ghisi (1520-1582) and Bernardo Daddo. Final state, publ. by de' Rossi (1627-1691).
Ref. Bartsch XV:54. - M. Lewis, "The engravings of Giorgio Ghisi : catalogue raisonné", New York 198, no. 18.