THE BOY AND PIGEONS BY JOHN BOYDELL (1720-1804) AFTER PIER FRANCESCO MOLA (1612-1666)

A fine, rare and large mezzotint of a young boy holding a dove in both hands on a ledge, kneeling whilst his head looks back to the left, with another dove perched in an archway above to right. Published by John Boydell (1804-1766), after Pier Francesco Mola (1612–1666)

John Boydell was an 18th-century British publisher noted for his reproductions of engravings. He helped alter the trade imbalance between Britain and France in engravings and initiated a British tradition in the art form. Boydell did not think much of his own artistic efforts and eventually started buying the works of others, becoming a print dealer as well as an artist.

Pier Francesco Mola, called Il Ticinese (9 February 1612 – 13 May 1666) was an Italian painter of the High Baroque, mainly active around Rome. With his looser style and handling, more naturalistic palette, and interest in exploring landscape elements, Mola differs from the prevailing classicism of the leading 17th-century Roman painters.

Mezzotint.

Higher resolution images on request. Worldwide shipping available.

Framed: 42 cm x 53 cm / 16.5 in. x 21 in. Sheet: 34 cm x 46 cm / 13 in. x 18 in. Executed 1734

Price: £580