Architectural Fantasy with Roman Ruins

1769

Joseph Stephan

Associated Names
Joseph Stephan

Artist, German, 1709 - 1786

The image depicts an elevated view looking into a courtyard or open space surrounded by architectural ruins. The horizon blends into the distant ruins, old structures, and arches. The artwork is an etching with detailed line work and fine, sketch-like brushstrokes defining the scene. The color palette is monochromatic, using black ink and ivory paper for depth. Closest are three figures near a rectangular base, with a broken column and scattered remnants. More figures are seen in the space, amid weathered structures and trees. The right side shows a large building with an archway, covered with vines and foliage.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Melissa J. Stegeman in honor of Paul Mellon

  • Dimensions

    plate: 15.3 x 23 cm (6 x 9 1/16 in.)
    sheet: 17.3 x 25.1 cm (6 13/16 x 9 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1999.18.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Le Blanc, Vol. III, no. 1, State ii/ii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Paul Prouté S. A.; purchased 1999 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1854

  • Le Blanc, Charles. _Manuel de l'amateur d'estampes, contenant le dictionnaire des graveurs de toutes les nations, dans lequel sont decrites les estampes rares, precieuses et interessantes avec l'indication de leurs differents etats et des prix auxquels

Inscriptions

lower center in plate: Joseph. Stephan. inven. et sculp. 1769.; lower left below plate, in graphite: Ecole venetienne (undeciphered) 1744; on verso, lower right, in graphite: 96/134; No. 252

Watermarks

unidentified coat of arms?

Wikidata ID

Q75422287

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