Antonio Ricciani

Antonio Ricciani was an artist active in the late eighteenth century, documented specifically around 1790. His known body of work consists of prints focused primarily on mythological and classical subjects.

Ricciani’s artistic output, based on verifiable documentation, centers on studies of Bacchanalian figures. Six such works are preserved in museum collections. These prints share distinct characteristics: figures are consistently set against a black background inside a rectangular frame, highlighting the contour and detail of the subject. Examples of his documented output include A bacchante carrying a large basket on her head and holding a staff in her left hand and A bacchante wearing a flowing drapery, looking down, right arm bent and left arm outstretched. These compositions emphasize the classical attributes and dynamic poses of the Bacchantes, incorporating elements like drapery, swords, and vessels.

The importance of Antonio Ricciani prints is established by their inclusion in major institutional collections. His work is represented in the holdings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. These records provide researchers and enthusiasts with access to downloadable artwork for historical reference and study. Ricciani’s contribution is primarily documented through these surviving, museum-quality prints, many of which are now available in the public domain.