The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1748: The Son of Venus and Mars Presented to the Temple of Minerva

1748

Louis-Joseph Le Lorrain, Michelangelo Specchi (architect)

Associated Names
Louis-Joseph Le Lorrain

Artist, French, 1715 - 1759

Michelangelo Specchi

Artist After, Italian, 1684 - 1750

This is a drawing depicting an architectural scene combined with mythological elements. The image shows a grand structure resembling a temple with Corinthian columns supporting a domed roof. Above the temple, an arch made of light or mist bridges the space. Various figures, some with wings, are depicted on the roof and around the arch. On one side, a group is on clouds with instruments and scrolls. At the forefront, more figures, some in armor, stride towards the temple carrying spears. The scene is set in a dreamlike celestial atmosphere, with the base of the drawing featuring text in Latin. The artwork is detailed with attention to form and symmetry.

Media Options

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

Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

See all 54 artworks

The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1747: The Temple of Venus Genitrix

Louis-Joseph Le Lorrain, Various Artists

1747

An Album of Prints of the Roman Festival of the Chinea

Various Artists

1723

The Seconda Macchina for the Chinea of 1748: The Royal Hunt

Miguel de Sorellò, Various Artists

1748


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Vincent J. Buonanno, Chicago; gift to NGA, 2016.

Associated Names

Bibliography

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. 45.

Inscriptions

Lettered LL: "L. Le Lorrain inv. et cut. 1748"
Lettered LC, below image: "FORTES CREANTUR FORTIBUS / Prospettiva della prima Macchina con la quale s'intende rappresentare il Nascimento d'un Figlio di Venere e Marte [...] l'anno 1748"

Wikidata ID

Q77260255

You may be interested in

Loading Results