Second View of the Forum of Nerva

1550

Hieronymus Cock

Associated Names
Hieronymus Cock

Artist, Netherlandish, 1518 - 1570

The image shows a detailed etching of ancient Roman ruins from a slightly elevated point of view. The horizon is high in the image with remnants of classical architecture reaching towards it. The etching features intricate brushstrokes depicting lines and cross-hatching for texture and dimension. The palette consists of various shades of brown for depth and contrast. Two figures are shown in conversation among the ruins, with stone columns and crumbling walls nearby. More ruins lead to a distant, more intact structure, partially obscured by rough terrain. Small plants grow from the ancient stones, suggesting nature reclaiming its space. The sky is lightly sketched with a few clouds to enhance the historical atmosphere of the etching.

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): 23.2 x 33.1 cm (9 1/8 x 13 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1994.80.24

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 44

  • Series Title

    Views of Roman Ruins: pl. X [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. 44.

1971

  • Riggs, Timothy A. "Hieronymus Cock: Printmaker and Publisher." Ph.D. diss., Yale University (1971): no. 23.

Inscriptions

upper left in plate: EX INCERTIS QVIBVSDAM.RO.ANTIQVITATIS RVINIS, PROSPECTVS .ALTER.; upper right in plate: .X.; lower center in plate: H. COCK FE. 1550 (in reverse)

Wikidata ID

Q75125961

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