The Triumph of Galatea

The Triumph of Galatea, executed by Peregrino da Cesena after a design by Raphael, is a critical example of printmaking during the Italian High Renaissance. Dated circa 1520, this niello print translates the grandeur of Raphael's celebrated c. 1512 fresco in the Villa Farnesina in Rome into a small, highly specialized medium. The scene depicts the sea nymph Galatea being borne across the water on a shell, surrounded by an exuberant entourage of tritons and nereids, capturing the dynamism and classical mythology favored by patrons during the period 1501 to 1550.

This exceptional piece is classified as a niello print, a rare and demanding technique distinct from standard engraving. The process involves an engraved silver plate being filled with a black metallic compound (niello). The compound is then transferred to dampened paper while still tacky, yielding a detailed black image that documents the fine linework. Peregrino da Cesena, known for his mastery in niello work, meticulously recreated Raphael’s highly influential composition, ensuring the dramatic movement and idealized human forms of the original design were preserved in this reproducible format. The intense precision required for niello highlights the innovative spirit of Italian printmakers during the 16th century.

Produced during a transformative moment in art history, this print serves as important documentation of the era’s technical innovation and enduring commitment to classical subjects. Such high-quality prints were vital conduits for spreading the influential style of Raphael across Europe, allowing a wider audience to study his monumental works. This specific example resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it is preserved as a significant historical artifact illustrating the relationship between major mural painting and reproducible art forms. Due to its historical nature, this type of 16th-century print often falls within the realm of public domain resources, ensuring broader access to the study of the Renaissance masters.