Giorgio Ghisi (Italian, Mantua ca. 1520–1582 Mantua), After Luca Penni (Italian, Florence 1500/1504–1557 Paris), The Calumny of Apelles, 1560. Engraving; first state of six, sheet: 12 15/16 x 12 1/2 in. (32.8 x 31.7 cm) trimmed inside borderline. Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1917; 17.50.16-120 © 2000–2016 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

This proof demonstrates Ghisi's working method as he translated a complex drawing of a classical scene by the artist Luca Penni onto the engraving plate. Much of the composition has been engraved, but several areas are drawn in pen and a grid remains over the lower right quadrant. Twelve of Ghisi's proof impressions have survived, and this sheet belonged to the English artist Sir Peter Lely in the 17th century.

This work is exhibited in the "Unfinished: Thoughts Left Invisible" exhibition, on view through September 4th, 2016. #MetBreuer