Sacrifice of a ram [reverse copy]

This reverse copy of an engraving is by Marco Dente, also known as Marco da Ravenna (1493-1527) after an original by his master, Marcantonio Raimondi, the first major Italian printmaker.  It depicts a pagan sacrifice of a ram, being pulled towards an altar by a nude man.  At right is a priest with his head cloaked, and behind him a youth carrying a box. The print is styled on an ancient bas relief. It is mounted in the so-called King George IV album of Old Master prints, acquired by the Dominion Museum, forerunner of Te Papa, in 1910.

Dr Mark Stocker       Curator, Historical International Art            February 2017