Second View of the Colosseum

probably 1550

Hieronymus Cock

Associated Names
Hieronymus Cock

Artist, Netherlandish, 1518 - 1570

The image shows a view of ancient Roman ruins, potentially the Colosseum, captured from a slightly elevated angle. The arches and crumbling structures are visible throughout the composition, dominating the central portion against a cloudy sky. The scene is depicted with precise and fine brushstrokes, typical of an etching. The color palette is monochromatic, using varying shades of black and beige to highlight the stone ruins' texture and form. Some figures are present among the debris and remnants of vegetation in the foreground, offering a sense of scale. In the distance, the ruins continue, creating depth, with small tufts of plants accenting the manmade structures.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 23.4 × 33.9 cm (9 3/16 × 13 3/8 in.)
    mount: 31.9 × 45 cm (12 9/16 × 17 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1994.80.4

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 23

  • Series Title

    Views of Roman Ruins: pl. A [Hollstein 22-46]

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(sale, Christie's, London, 29 November 1994, no. 53); (Christopher Mendez, London via David Tunick, New York); purchased 1994 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. 72 Vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1951: vol. IV (Cock), no. 23.

1971

  • Riggs, Timothy A. "Hieronymus Cock: Printmaker and Publisher." Ph.D. diss., Yale University (1971): no. 3.

Inscriptions

upper left in plate: .A.; upper center in plate: COLOSSAEI.RO.ALIVS PROSPECTVS.

Wikidata ID

Q75125866

You may be interested in

Loading Results