View of the Colosseum

probably 1550

Hieronymus Cock

Associated Names
Hieronymus Cock

Artist, Netherlandish, 1518 - 1570

The image shows the ancient Colosseum from a diagonal angle, highlighting its massive ruins. The focus is on the structure, which is partially broken with vegetation growing from its cracks. The background features detailed clouds with cross-hatching and linework, adding depth to the sky above. Small figures can be seen near the base of the Colosseum, providing scale. The color palette is monochromatic with varied intensity of black lines on a light background.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 23.4 x 32.4 cm (9 3/16 x 12 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1994.80.3

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 24

  • Series Title

    Views of Roman Ruins: pl. AA [Hollstein 22-46]

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(sale, Christie's, London, 29 November 1994, no. 53); (Christopher Mendez, London via David Tunick, New York); purchased 1994 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. 72 Vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1951: vol. IV (Cock), no. 24.

1971

  • Riggs, Timothy A. "Hieronymus Cock: Printmaker and Publisher." Ph.D. diss., Yale University (1971): no. 2.

2018

  • Oberthaler, Elke, et al. Breugel: The Hand of the Master. Exh cat, Vienna, 2018: 179, fig. 4.

Inscriptions

upper left in plate: .AA. / COLOSSAEI RO A BARBARIS / DIRVTI, PROSPECTVS .I.; lower center in plate: COCK.FECIT.

Wikidata ID

Q75125862

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