The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1722: The Temple of Janus

1722

Giovanni Girolamo Frezza after Alessandro Specchi (architect)

Associated Names
Giovanni Girolamo Frezza

Artist, Italian, 1659 - c. 1741

Alessandro Specchi

Artist After, Italian, 1668 - 1729

The image features a detailed line drawing of an urban scene from an elevated perspective, showing a large, bustling piazza with various people. Grand buildings line the horizon, with a neoclassical structure in the center. The precise and detailed brushstrokes create realistic architectural details and figures. The monochromatic sepia color palette highlights the intricate line work. People, including soldiers and elegantly dressed individuals, occupy the space. Stately buildings in the distance add depth, while the cloudy sky above contrasts with the structured elements below.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    William B. O'Neal Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 41.7 x 54.7 cm (16 7/16 x 21 9/16 in.)
    sheet: 45.3 x 66 cm (17 13/16 x 26 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1997.111.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Gori Sassoli no. 1

  • Series Title

    Temporary Structures for the Roman Festival of the "Chinea"

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Robin Halwas Ltd., London); purchased by NGA, 1997.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1994

  • Gori Sassoli, Mario. Della Chinea e di altre "Macchine di gioia". Apparati architettonici per fuochi d'artificio a Roma nel Settecento. Milan, 1994, no. 1.

Inscriptions

extensive inscription; lower right in plate: Girolamo Frezza sculp Rom. sup. perm.

Wikidata ID

Q75406893

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