The Seconda Macchina for the Chinea of 1751: The Palace of Wisdom, Studies, and the Sciences

1751

Giuseppe Vasi, after Paolo Posi

Associated Names
Giuseppe Vasi

Etcher, Roman, 1710 - 1782

Paolo Posi

Artist After, Italian, 1708 - 1776

The image showcases a grand, multi-tiered architectural structure adorned with sculptures and intricate decoration. The composition focuses on the elevation of the building, with sculptures and figures on each level culminating in a dynamic sculptural group at the top. The etching style emphasizes detailed textures and shading, depicting stone and draped figures. The color palette is monochromatic, featuring sepia and dark tones typical of engravings. Figures are shown on the stairs and throughout the building, offering scale and activity. Classical elements like columns, arches, and balustrades add decorative elegance.

Media Options

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1981

  • Scalabroni, Luisa. Giuseppe Vasi (1710-1782). Rome, 1981, no. 325.

1994

  • Gori Sassoli, Mario. Della Chinea e di altre "Macchine di gioia". Apparati architettonici per fuochi d'artificio a Roma nel Settecento. Milan, 1994, no. 52.

Inscriptions

Lettered LL: "Paolo Posi Architetto dell'Ecc.ma Casa Colonna"
Lettered LR: "Giuseppe Vasi incise"
Lettered LC: "Prospettiva della Seconda Macchina de Guochi d'artificio con cui s'intende di rappresentare in Idea il Sontuoso Edificio della Sapienza de Studij e delle Scienze della Real Citta' di Napoli [...] l'anno 1751"

Wikidata ID

Q77258636

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