Fifth View of the Colosseum

1550

Hieronymus Cock

Associated Names
Hieronymus Cock

Artist, Netherlandish, 1518 - 1570

The image displays ancient ruins resembling the Colosseum, with arches and columns. Vegetation grows on the stonework. The composition is vertically dominated by the ruins, with a sky lightly sketched in the upper part. The etching has detailed brushstrokes creating depth with line shading and hatching techniques. The color palette is monochromatic. In the distance, more arches create a receding perspective, with small figures for scale. The scene depicts architectural remnants and natural overgrowth.

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): 30.5 x 22.4 cm (12 x 8 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1994.80.7

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 27

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. 27.

1971

  • Riggs, Timothy A. "Hieronymus Cock: Printmaker and Publisher." Ph.D. diss., Yale University (1971): no. 6.

Inscriptions

upper left in plate: .D.; upper center in plate: COLOSSAEI.RO.PROSPECTVS.5.; lower left in plate: H. COCK.FE / 1550; lower left in plate: 154[6?] (effaced)

Wikidata ID

Q75125879

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