Architectural Fantasy of a Magnificent Ancient Mausoleum

1815/1820

Giuseppe Borsato

Associated Names
Giuseppe Borsato

Artist, Italian, 1770 - 1849

Alessandro Sanquirico

Artist, Italian, 1780 - 1849

The image depicts a slightly elevated view of a grand architectural scene. The horizon is low, emphasizing the architectural structures. In the center is a large amphitheater with multiple tiers and ornate decorations. The architecture features classical style, meticulously rendered columns and arches. The color palette is soft, dominated by beige and gray tones. The sky has delicate brushstrokes creating soft clouds. Beyond the amphitheater are classical buildings, archways, and gentle hills in the background.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and gray ink over graphite, with gray and black wash and watercolor on thin wove paper

  • Credit Line

    William B. O'Neal Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 40.9 × 56 cm (16 1/8 × 22 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2004.27.1

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Didier Aaron, Paris; (Daxer & Marschall, Munich); purchased 2004 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2008

  • Medieval to Modern: Recent Acquisitions of Drawings, Prints, and Illustrated Books, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2008, no. 95.

2014

  • The Poetry of Light - La poesia della luce: Venetian Drawings from the National Gallery of Art, Museo Correr, Venice, Venice, 2014 - 2015, no. 125.

Inscriptions

by later hand, lower right in graphite: No 51

Wikidata ID

Q64572486

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