Entrance to the Bowels of the Earth

before 1839

Antonio Basoli

Associated Names
Antonio Basoli

Artist, Italian, 1774 - 1848

The image shows an underground scene with rocky cavern formations extending into the distance. The scene is rendered with earthy tones and fluid brushstrokes, capturing shadows and textures. Figures can be seen navigating the cave pathways, and in the distance, there are more figures and architectural features carved into the rock.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with brown-gray wash over graphite on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 18.9 x 29.3 cm (7 7/16 x 11 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1994.9.4

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Wynne Jeudwine, 1963; Lodewijk Houthakker, Amsterdam (hand holding pen or brush, Lugt undescribed); (sale, Christie's, New York, 11 January 1994, no. 58); purchased 1994 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1976

  • De achtergrond belicht. Ontwepen voor het theater 1580-1800, 's-Hertogenbosch and Amsterdam, 1976, no. 56.

Bibliography

1989

  • Fuhring, Peter. Design into Art, Drawings for Architecture and Ornament: The Lodewijk Houthakker Collection. 2 vols. London, 1989: no. 935 (as Interior of a Mine).

Inscriptions

artist's stamp lower right verso: A. BASOLI FECE; across top verso in pen and brown ink: Introduzione alle Visere della Terra - Marmorea e miniere 12-

Wikidata ID

Q64536270

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