Figure Originali (Original Figures)

Art Historical Context

Step into the refined world of late 18th-century Italian art with *Figure Originali (Original Figures)*, a captivating bound volume created by Carlo Labruzzi in 1788. This elegant publication contains 13 original etchings and aquatints, printed in warm brown ink on laid paper, offering a treasury of figure studies ideal for artists honing their craft. Labruzzi, a Roman engraver and painter active during the Neoclassical era, drew inspiration from antiquity, blending precise draftsmanship with classical ideals of the human form. The medium shines here: etching provides crisp, incisive lines for contours and anatomy, while aquatint introduces subtle tonal gradations, mimicking the soft shadows of chalk drawings. Printed on laid paper—distinguished by its visible chain lines—this technique was revolutionary for replicating painterly effects in print, making high-quality figure references accessible beyond elite academies. At a compact page size of 25.9 x 18.8 cm, the closed volume measures just 26.5 x 20.2 x 1.4 cm, perfect for a studio shelf. Acquired through the Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund for the National Gallery of Art's Department CG-E, this work reflects the Enlightenment's passion for anatomical precision and artistic education. It stands as a testament to Labruzzi's skill in bridging drawing and printmaking, inviting visitors to appreciate the meticulous beauty of original figures that fueled Neoclassical mastery.