An Architectural Capriccio with a Triumphal Arch

1784

Maurizio Pedetti

Associated Names
Maurizio Pedetti

Artist, Italian, 1719 - 1799

The image depicts a grand architectural drawing with a central perspective view leading through a monumental archway. The point of view is straight on, showcasing the symmetrical design and scale of the arch, with columns and detailed architectural elements drawing the eye upward. The street extends beyond the archway, lined with buildings that diminish in size. The brushstrokes create depth and detail, with shading emphasizing the architecture's three-dimensional qualities. The color palette is primarily monochromatic, using shades of gray to highlight the structure's intricacies. Large figures on pedestals under the arch provide scale, and figures and horses can be seen on the distant street, adding perspective.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and gray and black ink and gray wash over graphite on laid paper, laid down

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Vincent J. Buonanno

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 72 × 53.6 cm (28 3/8 × 21 1/8 in.)
    mount: 73.4 × 54.3 cm (28 7/8 × 21 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2017.128.1


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Private collection, Germany. (sale, Christie's, Amsterdam, 3 April 2007, no. 773); (Galerie Motte Masselink, Paris); Vincent Buonanno, Chicago; gift to NGA in 2017

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower left in brown ink: Mauritius Pedetti / in e Deli: 1784

Wikidata ID

Q64609118

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