Angelica e Medoro in Vari Modi Legati: Insieme di Diversi Nodi (1795) After Theodorus Matteini | Engraved by Raphael Morghen

Angelica e Medoro in Vari Modi Legati: Insieme di Diversi Nodi (1795)

After Theodorus Matteini | Engraved by Raphael Morghen

This exquisite 1795 engraving, Angelica e Medoro in Vari Modi Legati: Insieme di Diversi Nodi, is a masterpiece of Neoclassical printmaking, depicting a romantic episode from Ludovico Ariostos epic poem, Orlando Furioso. The image portrays the tender moment between Angelica and Medoro, as Angelica inscribes their love onto a tree -  gesture symbolising devotion and passion.

The artwork was designed by Theodorus Matteini (1754-1831), an Italian Neoclassical painter known for his mythological and historical compositions. The engraving was executed by Raphael Morghen (1758-1833), a highly esteemed Italian engraver celebrated for his technical precision and delicate line work, particularly in translating grand compositions into print.

This plate was published in Rome in 1795 and bears a dedication to His Royal Highness Prince Frederick Augustus, later Duke of York and Albany, indicating its presentation as a prestigious offering. The fine cross-hatching and textural richness highlight the influence of classical ideals, with dramatic contrasts and elegant figural composition, characteristic of the period’s artistic refinement.

Encased in an original period frame, this engraving is a remarkable collector’s piece, perfect for enthusiasts of Neoclassical art, literary-themed engravings, and historical printmaking.