The Death of Ajax, 1525-1527, 1608

After Polidoro da Caravaggio

Chiaroscuro woodcut from three blocks, printed in dark grey (line block), light grey and brownish grey (tone blocks). B. XII. 99,9-II. 2nd state with the address of the printer Andrea Andreani -“POLIDORODACARAVAGIO INVENT AAINMANTOUA 1608” in the lower margin. 310 x 410 mm

Born in Vicenza, Niccolò Vicentino produced chiaroscuro woodcuts of a discernible character. Working in Rome after Raphael’s death he belonged to the circle of Ugo da Carpi, as a printer and a woodcutter. This chiaroscuro after a drawing by Polidoro di Caravaggio belongs to the early works from Rome but already shows a cursive, elegant line.