Extremely rare copper engraving published by Giovanni Pietro Olina (1585-1645) for his scarce treatise:
Uccelliera overo discorso della natura e proprieta di diversi uccelli.
Rome: Andrea Fei, 1622.
Uccelliera is a discourse on the characteristics of the many birds to be found in Italy, and gives instructions on their care, and identifies their habits and songs.
The work also contains this superb etching of an instrumental group, describing the playing techniques and make-up of ensembles. It includes depictions of a viola da braccio and a viola da gamba, as well as a harpsichordist, lutenist and other instrumentalists.
Antonio Tempesta, also called il Tempestino (1555 – 5 August 1630), was an Italian painter and engraver, whose art acted as a point of connection between Baroque Rome and the culture of Antwerp.
Francesco Villamena was an Italian engraver and artist. Villamena was born in Assisi. He studied under Cornelis Cort. Others state he was a follower of Agostino Carracci. Villamena produced primarily works of religious and historical subjects. He died in Rome in 1624
Beautifully mounted and framed (examined and verified outside frame).
Trimmed to edges; small clear tear with old repair but without loss; minor edge wear.
