Alzata dell'Obelisco di Campo Marzio (Excavation of the Obelisk from the Campo Marzio)

after 1748

Jean Barbault

Associated Names
Jean Barbault

Artist, French, 1718 - 1762

The image depicts an ancient architectural scene with various structures and activities. In the center, a large obelisk is being erected with wooden beams and ropes. To the left are engraved stone blocks. In the background, there is a building with open windows. On the right, a crowd is gathered, observing the scene. The artwork is detailed, showing texture and age through intricate lines. The monochromatic palette emphasizes form and texture. The composition is structured yet dynamic, showcasing both the static structures and construction activity.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Purchased as the Gift of Vincent J. Buonanno

  • Dimensions

    plate: 19 × 28.8 cm (7 1/2 × 11 5/16 in.)
    sheet: 26 × 43.5 cm (10 1/4 × 17 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2016.198.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Volle and Rosenberg 1974, no. 51, State ii/ii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Joel R. Bergquist Fine Arts, Stanford); purchased 2016 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1974

  • Volle, Nathalie, and Pierre Rosenberg. Jean Barbault (1718 - 1762). Beauvais, 1974: no. 51, ii/ii

Inscriptions

in ground, lower center of image: Barbault del sculpsit / Romae; on stone in lower left of image: C / CESAR DI VI / AVGVSTVS / PONTIFEX MAX / IMP XIICOS XII TRUSA... / ...SOLIDONVM DEDIT; lower left in plate: A.B.C.D. Pezzo dell'obelisco che si tira su / E. 4 Capre. F. Code delle capre. G. Traverse.; lower center in plate: Alzata dell'Obelisco di Camp Mars / R. Maestro Nicola Abaglia Ingeniere di S. Pietro; lower right in plate: H. I. Altra traversa L. Pollee, M. Pollee legate a / linea del tiro N.O.P.Q. Quattro argani;

Wikidata ID

Q77258378

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