Giovanni Battista Cipriani R.A. 1727-1785. Anglo-Italian School 18th.Century. Pencil drawing on laid paper. Adam and Eve in Paradise. Preparatory study for the engraving by Bartolozzi and Hearne published by W Byrne in 1790. 21.2 by 21cms. Provenance: Formerly with Sabin Galleries London.
Born at Florence, Cipriani was bought to London in 1755 by the architect Sir William Chambers and the sculptor Joseph Wilton who had met him in Rome. He was employed in the decoration of many public and private houses and in some cases designed the architectural details such as the plasterwork, wall decoration, woodwork and stonecarving. He was a foundation member of the Royal Academy designing it's Diploma. Ellis Waterhouse describes him as "One of the greatest backroom figures of the Neoclassic style in England."