Antonio Correggio (1489 - 1534). Virgin and Child. Antique etching and engraving on laid paper after the original by master etcher/engraver Richard Cooper II (c. 1740 - 1814). Year: 1763. Signed in the plate. Image Size 10 1/4 x 15 3/8 inches. Framed dimensions approximately 21 x 26 inches. This piece has been professionally matted and framed using all new materials. Aditional Notes: Print after a painting formerly attributed to Correggio; see Mussini, Correggio Tradotto, 1995, p. 246. It was almost certainly engraved by Richard Cooper II rather than his father, Richard Cooper I. Information from Dr Joe Rock (July 2009): Cooper advertised the print in St. James's Chronicle or the British Evening Post, 18 July 1761, "Proposals for Engraving by Subscription, a print of the Virgin Mary and Child from an original painting of Correggio (formerly in the Duke of Ormond's collection) and now in the possession of John Butler Esq. The drawing to be seen at Mr. Cooper's lodgings, Peter's Court, lower end of the broad pavement, St. Martin's Lane. The print to be 1ft 1½in high by 10½in wide. To be finished some time next February. Cost 5 shillings.". The advertisement was repeated in same newspaper on 1 October 1763; and its publication was announced on 5 May 1764, "sold by D. Wilson, bookseller, York Buildings where copies of the Children of Charles I also available at half a guinea". The broad pavement was on the west side of St Martin's Lane. A letter from Margaret Fison of Sew Court House, Charlton, Cheltenham, in "Notes and Queries" Vol. 11, January-June 1855 (pp. 64-5) records that the so-called Correggio painting, formerly at Kilkenny Castle, was then in her possession having been purchased at a sale "at some time or other". Another example of the print can be found in the British Museum. This artwork is accompanied by a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity and is Guaranteed as described.