Original work of youth by Giovan Battista Vanni (1599–1660) Title: The Holy Family with Musical Angels, after Jan Muller Technique: Ink drawing (copy after an engraving) Dimensions: See photo (please specify the exact measurements in the listing) Dating: 1613 (inscribed at the bottom right, accompanied by the monogram “GV”) Condition: Very good condition for a work of this era. Slightly worn corners. See detailed photos. Origin: Drawing executed after an engraving by the Flemish master engraver Jan Muller (1571–1628), depicting a religious scene of the Holy Family surrounded by musical angels. This is a work from the youth of Giovan Battista Vanni, probably created when he was barely 14 years old, making it a remarkable testament to his early talent. ⸻ Description of the work: This fine ink drawing represents the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus on her lap, surrounded by Saint Joseph, two musical angels, and a praying angel. The composition, very rich, faithfully draws inspiration from the Baroque Flemish engraving by Jan Muller, an artist known for his expressive and detailed engravings. The work is signed at the bottom right with the initials GV and dated 1613. It is likely that this is a copy exercise carried out by Vanni during his apprenticeship years, perhaps as part of his academic training in Florence or Rome. ⸻ Biography of Giovan Battista Vanni (1599 – 1660): Giovan Battista Vanni was an Italian painter and engraver active in the 17th century, mainly in Florence, Rome, and Pisa. He was born in Florence in 1599 and trained under Jacopo da Empoli and then Cristofano Allori. He was later influenced by Roman classicism and the masters of the Bolognese school. Vanni worked both in oil and engraving, and is known for his religious works executed in a late Baroque style, often very expressive and emotional. He traveled to Rome, where he studied the works of Raphael and the Carracci, before returning to Florence. He produced several engravings after the great masters, bringing him closer to the spirit of Jan Muller, the northern engraver whose work he drew inspiration from here. Vanni died in Florence in 1660. ⸻ Note: Rare and valuable work, ideal for collectors of old drawings, or enthusiasts of the Baroque period. This drawing showcases the budding talent of a major artist of the 17th century. Type: Ink Artistic movement: French School Genre: Classicism Characteristics: Signed Theme: Genre scene