Luna su Roma (Moon over Rome)
Original limited edition print on paper • Gino de Roma (Italian, 20th Century). Works by this artist are often associated with Italian mid-century graphic arts.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Italian Abstract Lyricism. The style utilizes vertical drippage and cellular structures typical of Italian post-war printmaking.
Medium & Technique
Color etching and aquatint with possible embossing, likely using a multi-plate process for the color layering.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, likely circa 1970s-1980s.
Dimensions & Format
Approximate plate size 6 x 4 inches (15 x 10 cm); Paper format is portrait within a gilded wood frame.
Subject Description
A semi-abstracted cityscape representing Rome under a celestial body. The composition features a bold crescent moon in the lower left quadrant set against a terracotta-toned middle ground suggesting ancient walls or architecture, with vertical ocher striations suggesting rain or light in the upper register.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The print shows vibrant colors and crisp plate marks; however, significant mat burn (yellowing of the paper) is visible where the acidic mat meets the artwork.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Private collection; Pencil numbering '72/200' and 'Gino de Roma' signature. The title 'Roma Notturna' or similar is inscribed in the artist's hand.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the secondary market for 20th-century European travel-themed graphics. While not high-art canon, it is a refined example of the professional school of etching that flourished in Italy during the tourism boom of the post-war era.
Notable Features
Hand-numbered edition of 200. The work features a distinctive vertical 'bleed' technique in the etching that gives it an organic, atmospheric quality unique to high-quality Italian studio prints of this era.
Condition Issues
Notable acid mat burn around the perimeter of the print area. Possible light foxing or dust accumulation under the glass. Frame shows edge wear and chipping to the gilt.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional reframing using acid-free, archival matting and UV-protective glass is recommended to halt the yellowing of the paper. A light dry cleaning by a paper conservator may be beneficial.