Tomb of Nero

1551

Italian 16th Century

Associated Names
The sculpture is an ancient-looking monument featuring several carved figures and a central inscription panel. The main body of the sculpture is rectangular and adorned with classical columns on either side of the inscribed text. On the upper portion, a curved pediment is embellished with reliefs, including a winged figure and other detailed carvings. On the side, there is a depiction of a griffin-like creature and a bull's head. The sculpture is positioned atop a weathered, layered stone base. The sculpture appears to be made of stone or marble and is represented in a monochromatic color scheme with various shades of grey and white. It is intricately crafted with precise, detailed elements indicative of a historical or commemorative purpose. The overall appearance suggests a solemn and formal monument, likely meant to convey significance and respect.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lois and Robert Erburu

  • Dimensions

    plate: 45.1 x 30.7 cm (17 3/4 x 12 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2000.119.1.zzz

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Huelsen 1921, no. 42, State ABCa

Associated Artworks

See all 83 artworks

Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae (Mirror of Roman Magnificence)

Antonio Lafreri, Various Artists, Nicolas Beatrizet, Giulio de Musi, Master FG, Léon Davent, Giulio Bonasone, Agostino dei Musi, Master of the Die

1549

This is a drawing of an architectural frontispiece with classical elements and symbols. The illustration features an ornate archway, two allegorical figures at the top, and a central cartouche with text mentioning a book on architecture by Antonio Labacco. The scene below shows a classical landscape with ruins, architectural elements, and Roman-looking structures in the distance. The drawing emphasizes the beauty and legacy of ancient Roman architecture, influenced by Renaissance engravings.

Libro Appartenente al Architettura [Title Page]

Italian 16th Century, Giovanni Boni

1549

Arch of Titus

Italian 16th Century

1540


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Weingarten Monastery, Swabia, 1632. (Susan Schulman Printseller, New York); purchased 2000 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1921

  • Huelsen, Christian. "Das Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae des Antonio Lafreri." Collectanea variae doctrinae Leoni Olschki. Munich: 1921: no. 42.

1976

  • McGinniss, Lawrence R. and Herbert Mitchell. Catalogue of the Earl of Crawford's 'Speculum Magnificentiae Now in the Avery Achitectural Library. New York, 1976.

Watermarks

cardinal's hat (W. 233-236, 1557/62)

Wikidata ID

Q75432318

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