Bidspirit auction | Jakob Frey the Elder (1681–1752)

Jakob Frey the Elder (1681–1752) after Sebastiano Conca. - Jakob Frey the Elder (1681–1752) after Sebastiano Conca. The Virgin in Glory with Saint Philip Neri. Jakob Frey the Elder (1681–1752) after Sebastiano Conca. The Virgin in Glory with Saint Philip Neri This magnificent hand-colored engraving is the work of the celebrated Swiss master engraver Jakob Frey during his tenure in Rome The composition follows the grand Baroque style of Sebastiano Conca depicting the Virgin Mary in celestial glory surrounded by a host of angels and cherubim while God the Father presides from above In the lower register Saint Philip Neri is shown in a state of ecstatic devotion kneeling before the divine vision while a putto holds an open book of liturgy The plate demonstrates Frey's masterful control of line and tonal depth further enhanced by the delicate historical hand-coloring that brings a luminous quality to the vestments and the heavenly sky The Latin inscription at the base emphasizes the theme of the Immaculate Conception This work is a primary example of 18th-century Roman printmaking excellence documenting an important ecclesiastical commission and the high level of collaboration between the eras leading painters and engravers. Copper engraving with hand-coloring 64 x 35 cm Dimensions 65 x 35 cm