The adoration of the shepherds.

Engraving, 36,6 x 46,5 cm, thick laid paper without watermark, signed and dated in lower right corner "Giraldo Fontana Fredo Fecit 1579", wide margins (large folding crease, some minor spots, plate offset in edges).

Laid down on cardb. by upper edges.

A very rare Italian print by Cavalieri (1525-1601), who sometimes signed with the pseudonym Giraldo Fontana. The Holy family in the centre, set in a landscape after Polidoro da Caravaggio. The second state (of 2) with the publisher's name. The print was also copied in a reduced reverse version by Cornelis Cort.
Ref. New Hollstein (Cort) 27g. - M. Bury, "The Print in Italy 1550-1625", London 2001, p. 224.