Vue des Ruines d'un des Escaliers de l'Amphithéatre de Capue

1781/1786

P.F. Germain after Louis-Jean Desprez

Associated Names
P.F. Germain

Artist, French, active 18th century

Louis-Jean Desprez

Artist After, French, 1743 - 1804

The image displays ancient ruins with intricate architecture featuring large arches and pillars. In the distance, vegetation grows around the ruins. The horizon is not visible due to the structures. The artwork is detailed with fine etching, using cross-hatching for texture and shading. The color scheme is monochrome, emphasizing light and shadow contrast. Three figures near the ruins, possibly scholars or gentlemen, provide scale to the scene.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Frank Anderson Trapp

  • Dimensions

    plate: 17.4 x 24.1 cm (6 7/8 x 9 1/2 in.)
    sheet: 45.2 x 30.2 cm (17 13/16 x 11 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2004.128.10.b

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    IFF (1700), no. 39

  • Series Title

    Voyage Pittoresque...de Naples et de Sicilie (Paris, 1781 - 1786) by Abbé de Saint-Non

Associated Artworks

The image features an illustration of ancient ruins seen from the front. In the center, a large arched structure appears weathered and aged. The horizon is low, showing distant vegetation and architectural elements. The illustration style is precise with detailed etching-like strokes capturing textures and shading. The color scheme is monochromatic in shades of sepia and gray. Close-up, scattered stones and ruins can be seen leading to a space where people and animals are depicted engaging in various activities. Light and shadow are used to enhance the depth and age of the scene.

Vue de Ruines et de fragments de Construction antique...de l'ancienne Capoue

Emmanuel Jean Nepomucène de Ghendt

1738

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Frank Anderson Trapp [1922-2005], Amherst, MA; gift to NGA, 2004.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1930

  • Inventaire du Fonds Français, Graveurs du XIIIe siècle. Paris, 1930 - 1977.

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: Gravé à l'eau forte par Germain No 126; lower center in plate: Vue des Ruines d'un des Escaliers de l'Amphithéatre de Capue, / Dessiné par des Prez Pensionre. Roi à Rome., lower right in plate: Terminé par Racine / A.P.D.R.

Wikidata ID

Q75429925

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