Carlo Orsolini after Parmigianino Youth Carrying a Platter of Fruit

An original 1786 engraving print, Carlo Orsolini after Parmigianino, Youth Carrying a Platter of Fruit.

A fine engraving produced by the Venetian engraver Carlo Orsolini (c.1703–c.1780) after a 16th-century drawing by Francesco Mazzola, also known as Parmigianino (1503–1540), published in 1786 in Venice by the English diplomat John Strange. It is believed that Strange had acquired the copper plates from the heirs of the Count Antonio Maria Zanetti, a Venetian collector of graphic art, whilst in Italy.

Parmigianino's graphic work was highly sought after and praised in England in the late 18th century. Sir Joshua Reynolds and Benjamin West were avid collectors of Parmigianino's drawings and original prints.

An associated inscription (see photo) gives the provenance of this drawing: Given to Mary Twopenny by her cousin David at Little Casterton in 1832. David Twopenny, commoner at Oriel College, Oxford and lifelong Vicar of Stockbury in Kent, was a collector of art (a sale of his collection at Christie’s included an extensive collection of fine engravings after Turner).

On laid paper. Trimmed to just outside the image and laid down on backing paper with wash line border.