Artwork

Eighth View of the Colosseum

Eighth View of the Colosseum, by Hieronymus Cock, ink, 1550
Eighth View of the Colosseum, by Hieronymus Cock, ink, 1550

Eighth View of the Colosseum is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hieronymus Cock. It dates from 1550 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Eighth View of the Colosseum is an etching on laid paper created around 1550 by Hieronymus Cock, a Flemish artist and influential print publisher.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts the ancient Roman Colosseum from a distinctive vantage point, with the structure's arches and columns shown in various states of decay, and figures in the foreground engaged in different activities.

Technique & Style

The work is characterized by intricate lines and shading, which convey depth, texture, and the interplay of light and shadow on the Colosseum's surface, suggesting a meticulous approach to the etching technique.

History & Provenance

Hieronymus Cock's publishing house was instrumental in commercializing printmaking, producing over 1,100 prints during his lifetime, with Eighth View of the Colosseum being one of his own limited artistic outputs.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Hieronymus Cock

Artist

Hieronymus Cock

Hieronymus Cock, or Hieronymus Wellens de Cock, (1518 – 3 October 1570) was a Flemish painter and etcher as well as a publisher and distributor of prints.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.