Sacrifice of Mexicans, Deity chairs the hunting is a fine etching, hand-watercolored, realized by the engraver ...

Sacrifice of Mexicans, Deity chairs the hunting is a fine etching, hand-watercolored, realized by the engraver Gianfrancesco Pivati. This original print, representing the typical Mexican rites of human sacrifice and hunting, is from the series New Scientific and Curious Dictionary concerning the Sacred and the Profane, Tome VIII, Plate LXVI, published by Benedetto Milocco in Venice in 1746-1751, concerning the Uses and Costumes, Religious Rites of people. Perfect conditions, including passepartout. Gianfrancesco Pivati Pivati's New Dictionary is a bold contribution to Italian cultural debate in the mid-18th century. The wide, useful, and interesting knowledge it contains is often taken from Hebrew, Greek, Latin, French, Spanish and English, as well as Italian. “The subjects treated are well researched and generally presented in a simple, direct style (…)”. Pivati’s liberal voice was out of the chorus in the context of the rigid conformity predominating throughout the Italian peninsula. “He appears to be committed to Reason and Science as opposed to simple Faith, but he tries to avoid any direct challenge to the dogmatic teachings of the Church”. Reference: Silvano Garafalo, in: Frank Kafker, Notable Encyclopedias, Oxford 1981.
37.5 x 23.8 (foglio), 49 x 34 (passepartout)