The Ruins of an Ancient Amphitheater

c. 1701

Gaspar van Wittel

Associated Names
Gaspar van Wittel

Artist, Dutch, 1652/1653 - 1736

The image depicts an ancient stone structure from a slightly elevated angle, showcasing arches and intricate masonry details up close. The composition lacks a horizon and emphasizes the architecture and its immediate surroundings. The structure extends upward beyond the frame. The artist uses a loose and expressive technique, with sketchy ink lines and light gray and brown washes for shadow and depth. The muted color palette includes shades of gray, brown, and cream, giving the artwork a monochromatic and classical look. The brushwork highlights the stone's texture and the play of light, conveying the structure's aged appearance.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Bartolomeo Cavaceppi, Rome. Vincenzo Pacetti, Rome. Paul Fatio (1874-1960?), Geneva [Lugt 3701]. (sale, Nicolas Rauch, Geneva, 13-15 June 1960, no. 385). Richard Tüngel, Ahrensburg. Herbert List [1903-1975], Munich (Lugt 4063); Ursula and Adolf Ratjen, Vaduz, for Wolfgang Ratjen; Wolfgang Ratjen, Munich; purchased 2007 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1965

  • Zeichnungen alter Meister aus deutschem Privatbesitz. Kunstalle Hamburg, 1965, 15, no. 36, fig. 26.

1977

  • Stiftung Ratjen, Italienische Zeichnungen des 16. - 18. Jahrhunderts. Staatliche Graphische Sammlung, Munich; Staaliche Museen Preussischer Kulturbesitz, Berlin; Kunsthalle, Hamburg; Staatsgalerie, Stuttgart. Munich, 1977, 200-201, no. 93 (entry by Dieter Graf).

1979

  • Zeichnungen italienischer Meister aus den Sammlungen Schloss Fachsenfeld, Stiftung Ratjen Vaduz, Staatsgalerie Stuttgart, Staatliche Graphische Sammlung Munich. Kunstmuseum Lucerne, 1979, 94, no. 160.

1983

  • Gaspare Vanvitelli. Staatliche Graphische Sammlung. Munich, 1983, no. 42, fig. 9 (Richard Harprath).

1995

  • Fünfzig italienische Zeichnungen des 16. - 18. Jahrhunderts aus der Stiftung Ratjen, Vaduz. Liechtensteinischen Staatlichen Kunstsammlung, Vaduz. Bern, 1995, no. 34.

1996

  • Italian Drawings from the Ratjen Foundation, Vaduz. The Frick Collection, New York. Bern, 1996, no. 34.

2011

  • Italian Master Drawings from the Wolfgang Ratjen Collection, 1525-1835, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 2011, no. 43.

2016

  • Recent Acquisitions of Dutch and Flemish Drawings, NGA, 2016.

Bibliography

1966

  • Briganti, Giuliano. Gaspar van Wittel e l'origine della veduta settecentesca. Rome, 1966: 273, no. 17d.

1977

  • Vitzthum, Walter. Drawings by Gaspar van Wittel. The National Gallery of Canada. Ottawa, 1977: 49, under no. 66.

1996

  • Briganti, Giuliano. Gaspar van Wittel. 2nd ed. Milan, 1996: 331, no. D 125.

Inscriptions

lower right, black chalk, Anfiteatro di Pozzuoli; verso, upper right, graphite (by Vincenzo Paccetti): 102

Markings

Paul Fatio (Lugt 3701)

Watermarks

fleur-de-lis inside double circle, surmounted by V (Heawood 1591)

Wikidata ID

Q64571017

You may be interested in

Loading Results