Bathing Nymphs

Art Historical Context

**Bathing Nymphs** is a delicate etching created in 1787 through a collaboration between Italian artist Giovanni Battista Cipriani who designed the composition, and the renowned engraver Francesco Bartozzi, who executed the plate. Dated March 1, this the second state of two measuring 9 3/8 × 11 5/8 inches on the plate Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's and Prints department, it entered the collection via the 2008 bequest of Herbert Mitchell. The scene captures ethereal nymphs in a moment of classical reverie, evoking the mythological grace of ancient Greco-Roman bathing motifs. Cipriani, a neoclassical painter active in England, infused the work with elegant, idealized figures reminiscent of Renaissance masters like Raphael, while Bartolozzi's etching technique—known for its fine lines and tonal subtlety—brought luminous depth and texture. Etchings like this were pivotal in the late 18th century, democratizing art by allowing affordable reproductions of high-style designs for collectors and enthusiasts during the Enlightenment's fascination with antiquity. This print exemplifies the era's printmaking prowess, where designer-engraver partnerships amplified artistic reach. Its second state likely features refined details, showcasing Bartolozzi's mastery in capturing soft, atmospheric effects perfect for intimate study or display. A charming window into 18th-century taste for myth and beauty!

About the Artist

Giovanni Battista Cipriani|Francesco Bartolozzi|Francesco Bartolozzi · 1766–1839

Giovanni Battista Cipriani was born on April 20, 1766, in Siena, Italy, to Simon Pietro Cipriani and Eva Bandini. He grew up alongside his brothers Barbato, a sculptor, and Galgano, an engraver, in a family immersed in the arts. Cipriani began his education studying Latin and mathematics before pursuing fine arts under the sculptor and architect Giuseppe Silini in Siena.) His talent earned him a p...