Giorgio Ghisi 1520-1582

Engraving, 1561, a fine, rare and early impression of the second state (of six) (L. & L. iia), trimmed to the work almost all round (fractionally within at upper right edge), repaired tears along edges of sheet, central vertical fold (mainly visible verso), touched-in in places with pen and ink, otherwise in good condition

The Allegory of Life (also known as The Philosopher or The Dream of Raphael) is one of Ghisi's most complex and fascinating works. Although the iconographic significance of this engraving has been discussed by many scholars, no final satisfactory conclusion of its content has been offered. Lewis and Lewis summarise the numerous commentaries and conclude that 'it comprises a figure from Raphael and a figure probably from Leoni, put together by an unknown artist, perhaps Ghisi himself, into a busy, cluttered composition (...) which has resulted in an engraving with extraordinary strength and presence, one that has fascinated viewers for over four hundred years'. Michal and R.E. Lewis, The Engravings of Giorgio Ghisi, (New York, 1985), p. 119.