Il Prete Ianni, Re d'Ethiopia (Prester John, King of Ethiopia)

1599

Luca Ciamberlano

Associated Names
Luca Ciamberlano

Artist, Italian, 1580 - 1641

Giovanni Orlandi

Publisher, Italian, active 1590 - 1640

The image shows an engraving of a man depicted from the waist up. The man is positioned facing slightly to the right with his body angled to one side, and his head turned towards the viewer. He has a full beard and mustache, with distinctive facial features, including slightly furrowed brows. His hair is covered by an elaborate turban or headpiece crowned with a small cross. The man is dressed in a heavy robe with a prominent collar, adding to his regal appearance. He holds a staff or scepter in his right hand. The background features a draped curtain on the right side and a heraldic shield featuring a cross on the left. The text below the engraving reads “IL PRETEIANNI, RE D’ETHIOPIA."

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 20.2 × 15.3 cm (7 15/16 × 6 in.)
    sheet: 24.2 × 18.7 cm (9 1/2 × 7 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2024.116.1

  • Series Title

    Effiggie naturali de i maggior prencipi et piu valorosi capitani di questa eta con l'arme loro

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Private collection, The Netherlands; (Agnews, Brussels); purchased by NGA, 2024

Associated Names

Inscriptions

recto: in plate, below image: IL PRETEIANNI, RED' / ETHIOPIA; in plate, below image, at left: Rome, Kal: Mar: 1599; in plate, below image, at right: Joannis,Orla: formis.; in lower margin in black ink in later hand: a 24. [?]bre 1793.6: a verso: none

Markings

none

Watermarks

none

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