Fourth View of the Colosseum

probably 1550

Hieronymus Cock

Associated Names
Hieronymus Cock

Artist, Netherlandish, 1518 - 1570

The image shows the Roman Colosseum in a state of partial ruin. The perspective is at eye level, displaying the inner structure with its arches and pathways. Vegetation is subtly visible in the background. The detailed etching technique creates texture and shadows in the stone arches and ground. The color palette is monochromatic in shades of black, gray, and white. Small figures are seen in the distance, providing scale to the ruins. Birds are depicted in flight in the lightly shaded sky.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 22.5 x 29.9 cm (8 7/8 x 11 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1994.80.6

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 26

  • Series Title

    Views of Roman Ruins: pl. C [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. 26.

1971

  • Riggs, Timothy A. "Hieronymus Cock: Printmaker and Publisher." Ph.D. diss., Yale University (1971): no. 5.

Inscriptions

upper left in plate: COLOSSAEI.RO.PROSPECTVS.4.; upper right in plate: .C.

Wikidata ID

Q75125869

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