Marcantonio Raimondi Italian (c.1480 - c.1527) The Climbers (Three Figures after Michelangelo’s Battle of Cascina), 1510 heliogravure Provenance: Douglas Kenyon, Inc., IL Biography from Getty.edu: Marcantonio Raimondi pioneered the reproduction of artwork in prints. He apparently based his over three hundred prints on other artists' designs, though he worked especially closely with Raphael. His earliest engravings date from around 1500. After studying with a Bolognese painter, Raimondi was in Venice by 1506. There he became Albrecht Dürer's most prolific copyist--though not by consent. Dürer brought successful legal proceedings against Raimondi, but Dürer's varied linework continued to inspire him for life. In Rome by 1510, Raimondi created a financially and artistically successful business, founding a school of engravers who could accurately reproduce artworks. His style matured into a system of hatching and highlighting, concentrating on essential areas of shadow that clearly articulated forms. By 1513 Raimondi focused on engraving Raphael's works, while Raphael's assistant handled printing and marketing. After Raphael's death in 1520, Raimondi continued engraving works by his circle, notably Giulio Romano. Around 1524 Raimondi was briefly imprisoned for making erotic engravings after Giulio's designs. Following this disgrace, Raimondi was forced to ransom himself from the Spaniards during the Sack of Rome in 1527. He departed the city a beggar and left no further trace. 10 1/2"H x 8 1/2"W (plate), 19 3/4"H x 17"W (frame)