Auto-da-fé in the Plaza Mayor in Madrid
1680. Burin, Etching on copperplate.Not on display
Auto-da-fé in the Plaza Mayor in Madrid, a copperplate engraving of exceptionally large size by Gregorio Fosman, was used to illustrate José del Olmo’s book Historical account of the auto-da-fé held in Madrid this year of 1680. The corresponding print, which is fold-out in format, was used three years later as the model for Francisco Rizi’s celebrated painting now in the Museo del Prado (P1126). We know that during this period copperplates were relatively common supports for painting. However, what we do not know is why this particular plate was reused nor, and this is more intriguing, by whom. The issue is that on the back we find a painting, possibly dating from the early 18th century, which carefully reproduces one of the copies of Correggio’s Virgin of the Rabbit that were circulating in Spain.
Blanco, Miguel Ángel (comisario), Reversos, Museo Nacional del Prado, 2023, p.181, 315
