Cavallo — Engraving after Antonio Canova | Domenico Marchetti engraver | Giovanni Tognoli draftsman
Large format engraving believed to be on period laid paper. Subject is Canova’s Cavallo. Full inscriptions legible in plate: “Ant. Canova inv. e scolpi” (lower left), “G. Tognoli dis.” (lower center), “Dom. Marchetti inc.” (lower right). Title in italic script: “Cavallo per Statua Equestre maggiore di quante fin ora ve n’ha in Europa da fondersi in bronzo a Napoli.” Paper has clearly visible horizontal chain lines and appears to sits within paper surface. Print is housed in conservation-grade archival mat board (Alphamat Artcare by Bainbridge), Frame is later black wood — not period. No condition issues appreciated on the print. Frame does have some chipping and dust cover removed.
Frame: 34.5” x 31.5” Print/plate area: approximately 24.5” x 21”
Secondhand Store
Yes
Hello, this item is an engraved print titled Cavallo, after the sculptural model of Antonio Canova, with Giovanni Tognoli identified as draftsman and Domenico Marchetti as engraver. The subject relates to Canova’s neoclassical equestrian studies and the inscription indicates a printed reproductive work rather than an original drawing. The visible plate text, laid-style paper texture, and fine linear engraving technique are consistent with an early 19th-century Italian neoclassical engraving, likely produced for collectors, connoisseurs, or published art documentation. The sheet appears to have been later matted and framed in a modern black frame, with the archival matting noted in the description adding some preservation value, though the frame itself is not period.
The print appears to be in good overall condition from the photographs, with no major staining, tears, or losses visible on the image area, though the frame shows wear and the removed backing suggests it has been reframed or handled in recent years. Market demand for Canova-related engravings is steady but selective, and value depends on age, impression quality, paper condition, margin size, and whether the print belongs to a documented early edition. Because this is a reproductive engraving after Canova rather than an original work by him, its value remains moderate despite the strong neoclassical subject and identifiable makers. Based on the images, subject, condition, and current market for comparable 19th-century Italian engravings, the fair market value is $180 to $400 USD.
