The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1760: The Temple of Neptune

1760

Giuseppe Vasi, after Giuseppe Palazzi, after Paolo Posi

Associated Names
Giuseppe Vasi

Etcher, Roman, 1710 - 1782

Various Artists

Artist

Giuseppe Palazzi

Artist After, Italian, c. 1740 - 1810

Paolo Posi

Artist After, Italian, 1708 - 1776

The image shows an architectural structure viewed from a slightly elevated perspective. The horizon is near the top of the image, where the sky meets the decorative building and tall columns with intricate carvings. The artwork appears to be an etching or engraving, with fine lines and detailed patterns. The color palette is primarily shades of gray, emphasizing the line work, light, and shadow. People and animals are depicted among rocky terrain around the structure. Ships with sails are docked nearby. The background features detailed clouds.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

See all 54 artworks

The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1747: The Temple of Venus Genitrix

Louis-Joseph Le Lorrain, Various Artists

1747

An Album of Prints of the Roman Festival of the Chinea

Various Artists

1723

This is a drawing depicting an architectural scene combined with mythological elements. The image shows a grand structure resembling a temple with Corinthian columns supporting a domed roof. Above the temple, an arch made of light or mist bridges the space. Various figures, some with wings, are depicted on the roof and around the arch. On one side, a group is on clouds with instruments and scrolls. At the forefront, more figures, some in armor, stride towards the temple carrying spears. The scene is set in a dreamlike celestial atmosphere, with the base of the drawing featuring text in Latin. The artwork is detailed with attention to form and symmetry.

The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1748: The Son of Venus and Mars Presented to the Temple of Minerva

Louis-Joseph Le Lorrain, Various Artists

1748

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Vincent J. Buonanno, Chicago; gift to NGA, 2016.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1981

  • Scalabroni, Luisa. Giuseppe Vasi (1710-1782). Rome, 1981, no. 336.

1994

  • Gori Sassoli, Mario. Della Chinea e di altre "Macchine di gioia". Apparati architettonici per fuochi d'artificio a Roma nel Settecento. Milan, 1994, no. 69.

Inscriptions

Lettered LL: "Paolo Posi Architetto"
Lettered LC: "Giuseppe Palazzi disegno'"
Lettered LR: "Giuseppe Vasi incise"
Lettered LC: "Disegno della Prima Machina rappresentannte il Tempio di Nettuno [...] l'Anno MDCCLX"

Wikidata ID

Q77260304

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