The Temple of Augustus and Faustina, the Temple of Divus Romulus, and the Basilica of Constantine

Executed in fine lines etched into laid paper, the work relies on varied hatching and cross‑hatching to convey volume and depth. The artist manipulates tonal contrast to model the crumbling arches and uneven ground, achieving a convincing three‑dimensional effect despite the monochrome medium. The precise, controlled line work reflects the technical standards of mid‑16th‑century printmaking.

The print was produced by Hieronymus Cock, a Flemish painter and leading print publisher based in Antwerp. Cock’s workshop was instrumental in transforming printmaking into a large‑scale commercial enterprise, distributing works across northern Europe. This particular plate illustrates his interest in antiquarian subjects, aligning with the period’s growing fascination with classical ruins.

Emerging during a time when Renaissance artists increasingly turned to ancient Roman architecture for inspiration, the etching reflects the scholarly curiosity of the era. By documenting the Temple of Augustus and Faustia, the Temple of Divus Romulus, and the Basilica of Constantine, the work contributes to a visual record that informed contemporary understandings of Rome’s architectural heritage.