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Early 18th century hand-colored engraving by Pieter (Peter) Schenk (1660-1718), framed and matted in burlap under glass. Panoramic view of the town of Loretta, currently Loreto in Italy. From the series of city prospects, engraved and published by Schenk around 1700. Despite its age, the paper preserved very well, with no holes, rips or obvious discolorations - please see pictures. It has a wooden frame painted in golden color, and is set against a burlap matting which beautifully highlights the artwork's colors. The frame is also quite old and the wooden planks have begun to separate slightly at the upper right corner.
The engraving is titled in Dutch (on the left) and in Latin (on the right). The English translation of the title: 'Lorette, a small town in Italy, renowned by pilgrimages.' This likely references Basilica della Santa Casa Santa, or Basilica of the Holy House, which is located in Loreto and serves as an important Catholic pilgrimage destination since the 14th century.
Measurements:
Dimensions with frame: 16.75" x 14.75" (42.5 x 35.5 cm).
Dimensions of artwork inside the frame (with margins): 10.5" x 8.5" (26.5 x 21.5 cm).
Frame's depth: 1.25" (3 cm).
Pieter Schenk (Peter Schenk or Petrus Scheck in other sources) was a German-Dutch publisher and engraver. The Schenk family was among the best-known publishers in the 18th-century Amsterdam. They are especially known for their mezzotint engravings, including maps and other cartographic works. Peter Schenk (1660-1718) was born in Elberfeld, Germany, and moved to Amsterdam in 1675. His eldest son Peter Schenk the Younger was also a noted cartographer and art dealer, who continued to develop his father's craft.
