This beautiful and rare engraving or antique drawing reproduces Correggio's Ecce Homo, painted around 1520 and now kept at the National Gallery, but once in the collection of the Preati family of Parma, who had a copy made by Jean Boulanger (now kept at the Galleria Nazionale di Parma). Agostino Carracci around 1586-90 drew some burin engravings from this model which were printed between Venice and Bologna. It is probable that Agostino himself, in addition to the engraving, also made a painted copy of the Hecce Homo, now kept in the Palazzo Comunale of Rimini.
Unfortunately, it is not simple to understand if our engraving is an original prototype, but it is probable that it is a print from some decades after the originals by A. Carracci, among other things this seems to have been retouched in ink and slightly watercolor by hand.
From the dedication inscription on the parapet we recognize the same phrase in Latin that appears on the original: ILLA DEI SOBOLES CERTAE DUX ILLE SALUTIS MUNDI OPIEEX NOSTROQUE UNO PRO CRIMINE PASSUS. The dedication to Card. Caetani, for whom it was produced, and the signature of Agostino are missing compared to the original version now kept in the collection of the Cassa di Risparmio di Bologna.
Unfortunately, in the part along the margin the writing is no longer legible and we do not know what it reported, but next to it we can barely distinguish the signature certainly of the executor or the designer of our work, but which is not easily legible, next to the date which seems to show the number 1607, but it is not certain.
The iconography corresponds to Jesus Christ crowned with thorns with hands tied in a frontal position while observing the spectator, around him the Madonna supported by a Maria and on the left behind a soldier with a rich helmet and on the right Pilate leaning on a parapet.
The engraving print measures 37.5cm x 27cm, and is of a considerable size, similar to the original work. The conditions are generally good, although some restoration has been carried out in some parts. The margins are compliant and in excellent condition.
The size of the work including frame is 40cm x 48cm.
We attach a certificate of authenticity to the sale.