Narcissus - Francesco Bartolozzi

A refined 1763 etching and engraving by Francesco Bartolozzi, depicting the classical myth of Narcissus after a drawing by Benedetto Luti.

This print, dated 1763, depicts the classical myth of Narcissus, who is shown gazing into a pool of water. The composition is based on an original drawing by Benedetto Luti. Francesco Bartolozzi, a master of the stipple and line engraving techniques, demonstrates his technical precision here through the varied cross-hatching and delicate tonal transitions that define the figures and the surrounding woodland setting.

Narcissus is positioned in the foreground, his body angled towards the water, while a female figure, likely Echo, watches from behind a tree. The scene captures a moment of quiet tension, typical of the eighteenth-century interest in classical subjects. The trees frame the figures, creating a sense of depth that draws the eye toward the distant, hazy horizon. The print reflects the period's preference for balanced, harmonious compositions and the clear, readable narrative style favoured by collectors of the era.

Bartolozzi moved to London in 1764, shortly after this work was published by T. Bradford. His arrival in England significantly influenced the development of printmaking in the country, as he brought with him the refined Italian tradition of engraving. This work serves as an example of his early mastery, showcasing his ability to translate the fluid lines of a preparatory drawing into the structured medium of the copper plate. The monochromatic palette emphasises the play of light and shadow across the figures, lending a sculptural quality to the scene. The inclusion of the quiver and bow on the rock provides a subtle narrative detail, identifying the youth as a hunter before his transformation.