The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1744: The Glorification of Virgil

1744

Louis-Joseph Le Lorrain

Associated Names
Louis-Joseph Le Lorrain

Artist, French, 1715 - 1759

This is a drawing of figures amidst clouds in a classical scene. The image depicts various figures clothed in flowing robes positioned on and around swirling clouds. In the upper section, several figures are seated or reclining on the clouds, accompanied by a chariot drawn by creatures or cherubic forms. The central area showcases a prominent figure sitting on an elaborate throne-like cloud surrounded by a draped canopy. Below, additional figures in similar garb appear to be engaged in a procession. The lower portion of the image features text in an elegant script. The overall composition suggests a scene inspired by classical mythology or allegory, rendered in a detailed and dynamic manner with intricate lines and shading.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gourary

  • Dimensions

    plate: 39 x 45 cm (15 3/8 x 17 11/16 in.)
    sheet: 43.8 x 56.7 cm (17 1/4 x 22 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1996.48.3

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Gori Sassoli no. 37

  • Series Title

    Temporary Structures for the Roman Festival of the "Chinea"

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gourary, New York; gift to NGA, 1996.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1994

  • Gori Sassoli, Mario. Della Chinea e di altre "Macchine di gioia". Apparati architettonici per fuochi d'artificio a Roma nel Settecento. Milan, 1994, no. 37.

Inscriptions

across bottom in plate: Cedite Romani Scriptores cedite Graij. Nescio quid majus nascitur Iliade. Sest. Propert. / Prospettiva della prima Macchina, colla quale s'intende rappresentare, che sicome, ò Salamina, ò altra Città, che ne sia, hà la gloria, che Omero il mag.re de'Poeti Greci, sia stato da Giove secondo la superstizione della / gentilità sublimato agli onori divini; Così Partenope ancora da Giove istesso abbia ottenuto, che Virgilio, come quello che poco men che tutta la vita si è trattenuto ospite ... MAESTA a presentare la Chinea, e Censo a Sua Beatitudine / BENEDETTO PAPA XIV. l'anno 1744. / I. L. Le Lorrain inv., e inc. / Roma con licenz. de Super. / Fran. Scardovelli Capo Fuocar.o Capo Bombar.di.re di C.S.A.o

Wikidata ID

Q75396801

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