L'Ippogrifo Stampe d'Arte: Mastery of a Grand Tradition

Gianni Raffaelli

Artists have been using engraving to make art prints for over 500 years. The earliest known engraved print dates back to 1446, and the technique quickly became popular throughout Europe. Engraving was particularly well-suited for reproducing paintings and other works of art, and it was often used to create prints of religious subjects.

Some of the most famous engravers of the 15th and 16th centuries include Martin Schongauer, Albrecht Dürer, and Lucas van Leyden. These artists created highly detailed and elaborate prints that were prized by collectors. 

When I was in college I took an introduction to printmaking class in which I learned some of the techniques artist use to reproduce their work. Though I barely scratched the surface, I recognized the possibilities and developed a keen appreciation for those who have mastered the craft like Gianni Raffaelli of L'Ippogrifo Stampe d'Arte. Along with his wife Francesca and son Duccio, they work out of a studio on the West side of the Arno River in Florence. 

Duccio Raffaelli

While on a leisurely stroll through a network of narrow streets I came upon the L'Ippogrifo Stampe d'Arte gallery where son Duccio welcomed me and graciously showed me around. 

His father attended an Academy of Fine Art when young, especially fascinated with architecture. He and a friend from art school decided to open a studio nearby and began printing old maps. Before long it was a threesome and they began having exhibitions around Italy. The three engravers split in 1999 and the Raffaelli family settled here.

Gianni himself was originally from Venezuela. At a certain point in time he switched from cartography to painting. When you visit their gallery you will be impressed by the work he does along with his wife Francesa and son Duccio. Their website begins with this invitation:

Welcome to L'Ippogrifo Stampe d'Arte, just a stone's throw away from Florence's Ponte Santa Trinita. Here, the talented Raffaelli family keeps alive the rich tradition of etching using time-tested methods. Step into their world and peruse a captivating collection featuring landscapes, cityscapes, and the beauty of nature, all with a special touch of Florence's magic. These finely crafted engravings promise an artistic journey filled with realism, whimsy, and everything in between—a delightful way to carry home a piece of Firenze's charm.

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Artists have been using engraving to make art prints for over 500 years. The earliest known engraved print dates back to 1446, and the technique quickly became popular throughout Europe. Engraving was particularly well-suited for reproducing paintings and other works of art as well as maps, book illustrations and religious subjects.

Engraving continued to be a popular printmaking technique throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Some of the most famous engravers of this period include Rembrandt, William Hogarth, and Francisco Goya. These artists used engraving to create a wide range of prints, including portraits, landscapes, and satirical images.

If you're a lover of art, Florence is a "must see" destination for your bucket list. Pace yourself. Go slow. Leave half of your days unscheduled so that you might discover the many other gems this city of treasures contains, such as the Scarpelli Florentine Mosaic Workshop, the Daniela Meza Sigala's gallery/studio and this one, the L'Ippogrifo Stampe d'Arte. 

This last photo (below) is of an incredibly detailed image that Gianni Raffaelli created during the Year of Covid. Art can be a way that people process difficult emotions and experiences.* This particular piece, with its Escheresque influences was Raffaelli's way to lose himself in a project that consumed his time and demanded his attention during that difficult year. It's a visual delight. 

Gianni Raffaelli of L'Ippogrifo Stampe d'Arte

Gianni Raffaelli hand engraves original illutrations on copper plates, then prints limited editions on high quality paper. These are hand-painted, signed and numbered by the artist in the tradition of the old Florentine workshops.

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Stories About My Italy Adventure

*A Visit with Tim Hatfield, Author of an Uplifting Book Featuring the Beatles Catalog in Its Entirety