Who painted The Roman Capitol?

The Roman Capitol was painted by Nicolas Beatrizet in 1560.

Where can I see The Roman Capitol?

The Roman Capitol is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Roman Capitol?

The Roman Capitol is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Roman Capitol

Nicolas Beatrizet , 1560

The Roman Capitol is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Nicolas Beatrizet. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Nicolas Beatrizet’s engraving, dated around 1560, presents an imagined Roman courtyard. Two imposing structures dominate the composition: one capped with a tower and arched windows, the other marked by tall columns and a flat roof. An equestrian statue occupies the central space, while stairs ascend to a balcony with a curved railing, and a modest fountain lies nearby.

Subject & Meaning

The scene combines architectural and sculptural elements typical of Renaissance idealized antiquity. The juxtaposition of monumental buildings and the rider on horseback suggests a celebration of civic power and classical heritage, inviting viewers to contemplate the continuity between ancient Roman authority and contemporary artistic representation.

Technique & Style

Beatrizet employs delicate, intersecting lines to render shadows, surface textures, and the folds of stonework. The engraving’s fine hatching creates a sense of depth and materiality, allowing the viewer to discern the weight of the columns, the smoothness of the statue, and the reflective surface of the fountain with remarkable clarity.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑sixteenth century, the print reflects the period’s fascination with Roman motifs and the spread of printed images across Europe. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work has been catalogued among Beatrizet’s oeuvre and appears in several collections of Renaissance prints, illustrating the artist’s role in disseminating classical imagery through printmaking.