An Imperial Tomb: Elevation and Ground Plan

c. 1530

Circle of Antonio da Sangallo

Associated Names
Antonio da Sangallo

Artist, Italian, 1483 - 1546

This is a drawing of an architectural structure. The image depicts a detailed plan and elevation of a monumental building or a triumphal arch, characterized by ornamental sculptures and reliefs. The drawing is meticulously crafted with precise lines depicting the architectural design, including niches with statues, decorative panels, and arches. Two figures are placed at elevated positions, likely representing sculptures or statues. The structure features a central arch with a relief above it and the lower portion of the image shows what appears to be the floor plan, indicating the spatial arrangement and design elements, such as the placement of walls and columns. The entire image gives the impression of a carefully thought-out architectural masterpiece. The drawing showcases strong attention to symmetrical details and artistic embellishments typical of classical architecture.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with wash over blind stylus on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    William B. O'Neal Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 42.1 × 26.5 cm (16 9/16 × 10 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2015.72.1

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Giuseppe Vallardi (his number, V.128, in red chalk on the verso). (sale, Christie's, London, 6 July 1999, no. 7, as Antonio da Sangallo the Younger; unsold). (sale, Christie's, Paris, 27 November 2002, no. 22, as Antonio da Sangallo the Younger; unsold). (sale, Christie's, London, 12 December 2003, no. 305, as Antonio da Sangallo the Younger); to Jan Krugier; (sale, Sotheby's, New York, 28 January 2015, no. 8, as North Italian School; unsold); purchased by NGA, 2015.

Associated Names

Bibliography

2001

  • Frommel, C. J. "Unbekannte Entwürfe Sangallos für di Gräber Leos X und Clemens VII" in Italia und Germania, liber amicorum Arnold Esch. Ed. Hagen Keller. Tübingen, 2001: 334-335, 357, fig. 20 (as by an Italian sculptor working around 1530-1540).

Inscriptions

at center in pen and brown ink: CAESAR AUGUSTUS DIVI

Wikidata ID

Q64540037

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