The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1771: The Temple of Asclepius

1771

Giuseppe Vasi, after Giuseppe Palazzi, after Paolo Posi

Associated Names
Giuseppe Vasi

Etcher, Roman, 1710 - 1782

Giuseppe Palazzi

Artist After, Italian, c. 1740 - 1810

Paolo Posi

Artist After, Italian, 1708 - 1776

The image is an intricate black and white engraving of an architectural scene. A grand, domed temple with ornate details and sculptured figures is seen from a straight-on viewpoint. Swirling clouds in the sky provide a backdrop. The engraving features precise lines, creating realism and depth. Figures are in the middle ground, engaging in various activities. Lush trees and foliage are visible further back. The grayscale palette accentuates textures and shadows. The image conveys grandeur and historical elegance through architecture and detail.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1981

  • Scalabroni, Luisa. Giuseppe Vasi (1710-1782). Rome, 1981, no. 355.

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. 89.

Inscriptions

Lettered LL: "Cavaliere Paolo Posi Architetto" and "Giuseppe Palazzi delin.", and LR: "Cavaliere Giuseppe Vasi incise"
Lettered LC, below image: "Disegno della Prima Machina rappresentante un Tempio dedicato a Esculapio [...] l'Anno MDCCLXXI"

Wikidata ID

Q77258704

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