A masterful Renaissance engraving by Marcantonio Raimondi, depicting a scene of classical tragedy and human suffering.

Marcantonio Raimondi, a master of the Italian Renaissance, produced this engraving, commonly known as Il Morbetto, based on a design attributed to Raphael. The composition depicts a scene of desolation, drawing inspiration from Virgil's Aeneid. It illustrates the aftermath of a pestilence, showing figures in various states of grief and physical decline.

In the foreground, a woman lies on the ground with a child, while another figure leans over them in a gesture of despair. To the left, a man holds a torch near a collection of livestock, suggesting the widespread nature of the affliction. A central plinth bears a Latin inscription, which serves as a grounding element amidst the surrounding chaos. The architectural backdrop, featuring a herm and ruined structures, provides a sense of classical order that contrasts with the suffering of the human subjects.

Raimondi was instrumental in the dissemination of Raphael's compositions across Europe. His technical skill with the burin allowed for a precise rendering of form and light, which is evident in the modelling of the figures and the textures of the stone and drapery. The engraving demonstrates the influence of classical sculpture on Renaissance art, particularly in the poses of the figures, which echo antique prototypes. This work remains a significant example of the collaborative relationship between painter and engraver during the early sixteenth century, reflecting the period's interest in human emotion and the gravity of historical narrative.