Galatea, after Raphael

The Galatea, Raphael’s fresco of 1511-12 in the villa of Agostino Chigi, was the most calculated and harmonious recasting of ancient myth into the new classical style. Initially disseminated through Raimondi’s engraving, “one of his most beautiful and rare” (Bartsch), the composition also became one of the most influential in Western art. Despite later strengthening with ink, this impression is probably the finest in this country. The Collection includes some 30 engravings by, or contemporary copies after, Raimondi.