The Septizonium and the Colosseum

probably 1550

Hieronymus Cock

Associated Names
Hieronymus Cock

Artist, Netherlandish, 1518 - 1570

The image depicts ancient ruins resembling Roman architecture dominating the center and right side of the composition. The ruins show columns and arches with vegetation growing from them. The horizon is near the upper edge, with hills or mountains in the distance. The sky has soft clouds, and the artwork features precise linework and shading, creating a detailed texture. The color palette is monochromatic using varying intensities of black ink. Two small figures are near the ruins, and in the distance, sparse vegetation and distant structures can be seen.

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): 22.4 x 32 cm (8 13/16 x 12 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1994.80.18

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 38

  • Series Title

    Views of Roman Ruins: pl. P [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

Exhibition History

2007

  • Fabulous Journeys and Faraway Places: Travels on Paper, 1450 - 1700, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 2007

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. 38.

1971

  • Riggs, Timothy A. "Hieronymus Cock: Printmaker and Publisher." Ph.D. diss., Yale University (1971): no. 17.

Inscriptions

upper left in plate: .P.; upper center in plate: SEPTIZONII SEVERI IMP CVM CONTIGVIS / RVINIS, PROSPECTVS VNVS,; lower right in plate: COCK.F.

Wikidata ID

Q75125947

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