Italian engraving
The National Library of Spain has a large collection of italian recorded in the 16th and 17th centuries formed by numerous books and prints loose beautifully illustrated. The theme is very varied and corresponds to the tastes and trends of the Era: religious scenes, mythological and daily, portraits of kings and political positions, landscapes, manuals and treaties architecture. Its mission as disseminators of images and messages was very important and influenced other counterparts, such as paint or drawing.
With regard to the authors there is a broad range represented in the institution's own funds: during the 15th century dominated anonymous prints, with exceptions of artists as important as Marcantonio Raimondi and Ugo da Carpi (known by its “ claro-oscuros ”). In the 16th century highlighted inter alia, Giovanni Battista Fontana and Antonio Tempesta. The 17th and 18th centuries are represented by artists such as Francesco Bartolozzi (famous for its recorded points), Cristoforo Dall (known by its replicas of drawings of his Time) or Tiepolo. Many nice also inspired by drawings of Rafael or Michelangelo.
This certainly deserves special mention for its volume and quality, the work of Giovanni Battista Piranesi and his two sons, Laura and Francesco. The collection, which came from the funds of the Royal Library was completed over the 19th and 20th centuries through donations, purchases and exchanges with other institutions.
