Man with Fan: Peony Background

Period Edo Period (Japanese, 1615 - 1868)

Dateearly 17th-late 19th Century

Dimensionsoverall: 9 13/16 x 14 1/8 in. (24.9 x 35.8 cm)

Mediumwoodblock print

ClassificationPrints

Credit LineCarl Spitzer

Object number

1940.15

Not on View

Label TextLittle is known about the life of Benoît Farjat, who made engravings after paintings by well known artists. Such reproductive prints were important for disseminating the work of an artist. In this print after Guercino (see the recently acquired painting by Guercino, on view in the Great Gallery), he captures the drama of the painting showing a demon being driven away from Saint Romuald by an angel.

Guercino, a nickname derived from the Italian word guercio (cross-eyed), was a self-made artist who was influenced by the work of Ludovico Carraci (1555–1619). He emulated Carraci’s style, surrounding the viewer with color, movement, and emotion in his paintings, altarpieces, and frescoes.