Prince Ruprecht and Jusepe de Ribera
Head of an Executioner
1657-1661
Scroll
Physical Qualities
Mezzotint with traces of burin, Sheet (trimmed to platemark): 136 x 166 mm. (5 3/8 x 6 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Garrett Collection
Object Number
1946.112.8970
This print was used in (or was executed for) the frontispiece of John Evelyn, Sculptra or the history and art of chalcography..., to Which is annexed a new manner of engraving, or Mezzo Tinto, communicated by his Hyghness Prince Rupert to the Author..., London, [printer unknown], 1662.
This impression shows the irregular movement of the hand-rocker in the background, which is important in identifying it as the original Ruprecht mezzotint (for an impression of H. 15 copy B, with regular movement of the rocking tool in the background, see the British Museum 1838,0420.10). The image is a cut down version of the "The Great Executioner," 1658 (Executioner with the Head of Saint John the Baptist; H. 14).
See Carol Wax, The Mezzotint: History and Technique (New York: Harry N. Abrams, 2010), pp. 21-24.
Signed: 1
Inscribed: Recto: in image, upper right, in plate "Rpf" with a crown above the letter "R" Verso: lower right in graphite diamond with "3336"
Markings: CM: Garrett
