Portrait of Simone Mosca – 17th-Century Engraving after High Renaissance Old Master Giorgio Vasari

Portrait of Simone Mosca – 17th-Century Engraving after High Renaissance Old Master Giorgio Vasari Le vite de' più eccellenti pittori, scultori, e architettori (The Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects), written by Renaissance master Giorgio Vasari, is considered the first significant book on art history. The book was first published in 1550, with a second edition in 1568, which included the introduction of Simone Mosca (1492–1554), a prominent Florentine architect and sculptor. The first two editions did not include portraits of the artists. Over the next 200 years, Le Vite was reprinted numerous times in various languages, with artist portraits added in some later editions. Due to the book’s popularity and multiple reprints, identifying the engraver of this plate or the exact edition it came from is difficult. Based on the paper characteristics, this print is most likely an 18th-century reproduction after Vasari’s original work of Simone Mosca’s portrait. Some sources claim this edition was published in 1790, but after reviewing the 1791–1794 edition of Le Vite, I found that the image does not match. Since this print more closely resembles the 1568 edition, I suspect it comes from the 1731 edition, though further investigation is required to confirm this. Print Details: Size: 7.75 x 5 inches Paper: Laid paper with an illegible watermark Printing Technique: This page was printed using two separate plates—one for the ornamental frame and another oval-shaped plate for the portrait. The plate mark of the central image is clearly visible. This method was commonly used in 17th–19th century publications. Condition: The outer edge was trimmed, and the print was mounted on a window mat. The piece is in excellent condition, with only minor coloration. Disclaimer: I have conducted thorough research to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of this engraving to the best of my ability. However, it is sold as is, with no guarantees or warranties regarding its provenance or historical attribution.