Head of the Savior - Raphael Morghen

A refined engraving by Raphael Morghen, depicting the profile of Christ after a composition by Leonardo da Vinci.

This engraving by Raphael Morghen depicts the profile of Christ, a composition attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. Morghen, a master of the burin, was celebrated for his ability to translate the subtle tonal shifts of Renaissance painting into the precise, linear language of copperplate engraving. The work captures the serene, idealised features of the subject, rendered with a delicacy that reflects the technical rigour of the period.

The central image is enclosed within a circular frame, featuring Latin text that identifies the figure and provides theological context. Below the medallion, the inscription notes that the original work is life-sized and held in the Trivulzio collection in Milan. This specific print demonstrates Morghen's command over light and shadow, using fine cross-hatching to model the form of the face and the texture of the hair. The surrounding negative space emphasises the focus on the central portrait, a common presentation for high-quality reproductive prints of the early nineteenth century.

Raphael Morghen was instrumental in the dissemination of Italian Renaissance art across Europe. His prints allowed collectors and scholars to study the compositions of masters like Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo in great detail. This particular piece is a fine example of the reproductive printmaking tradition, where the engraver acted as a bridge between the original painted work and the wider public. The clarity of the lines and the balanced composition reflect the aesthetic values of the Neoclassical era, which prioritised order, proportion, and technical precision. The print remains a significant record of the Trivulzio collection, documenting the provenance of the original painting as it was understood during the early nineteenth century.