Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple.

John Baptist Jackson.

Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple.

Venice:

J. Baptist Pasquali,

1742.

The earliest chiaroscuro woodcuts date from the first quarter of the 16th century. Lighter tone blocks were usually printed first with a dark line block printed last. The process was revived in the 18th century, and these two prints by John Baptist Jackson are fine examples of the technique. These two prints are the right and center sheets of a large triptych that he cut after a painting by Titian. They required four blocks, used to print four colors: light greyish umber, medium brown, dark grey, and dark brown.

From the collection of Rare Book School