Who painted Exegi Monumentum (Art Inscribing Minerva's Shield)?

Exegi Monumentum (Art Inscribing Minerva's Shield) was painted by Giovanni David in 1775.

Where can I see Exegi Monumentum (Art Inscribing Minerva's Shield)?

Exegi Monumentum (Art Inscribing Minerva's Shield) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Exegi Monumentum (Art Inscribing Minerva's Shield)?

Exegi Monumentum (Art Inscribing Minerva's Shield) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Exegi Monumentum (Art Inscribing Minerva's Shield)

Giovanni David , 1775

Exegi Monumentum (Art Inscribing Minerva's Shield) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Giovanni David. It dates from 1775 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Giovanni David’s 1775 etching titled Exigi Monumentum (Art Inscribing Minerva’s Shield) presents a mythological tableau rendered in black‑and‑white on laid paper. The composition features two figures positioned before an architectural backdrop, rendered with precise line work and extensive cross‑hatching that defines form and texture.

Subject & Meaning

The standing figure, robed and holding a scroll and spear, occupies a pedestal, while a kneeling figure leans forward as if presenting an offering. The inscription at the bottom, *Exegi monumentum aere perennius*, translates to “I have raised a monument more lasting than bronze,” suggesting a meditation on artistic permanence.

Technique & Style

The print employs traditional etching methods, with fine incised lines and dense cross‑hatching to achieve tonal variation. The sharp delineation of architectural elements and the careful modeling of drapery reflect the meticulous hand of the artist, characteristic of late‑18th‑century printmaking.

History & Provenance

Created in 1775, the work is attributed to Giovanni David, an Italian printmaker active in the latter half of the eighteenth century. No further ownership records are provided in the source material.

Context

The title references Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and the arts, aligning the image with classical allegory common in the Enlightenment era. The inscription echoes the Roman poet Horace’s claim to literary immortality, linking the visual narrative to broader cultural ideas about enduring creation.