Artwork
The Ideal City
The Ideal City is an oil painting by the Early Renaissance artist Fra Carnevale. It is held in the collection of the Walters Art Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Ideal City is a tempera painting created by Fra Carnevale around 1490. It is one of only nine works definitively attributed to this Italian artist, who was active in Urbino during the mid-15th century.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a serene and harmonious urban scene, featuring a central square with a fountain, surrounded by diverse buildings adorned with arches and columns, and populated by figures engaged in calm activities.
Technique & Style
Executed in tempera, the work showcases Carnevale's attention to detail, evident in the intricate designs on the buildings and statues, and is characteristic of the early Renaissance style.
History & Provenance
The Ideal City is now part of the Walters Art Museum collection. Fra Carnevale's identity has been recorded under multiple names, reflecting the complexities of attributing works from this period.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Fra Carnevale OP (c. 1420–25 – 1484) was an Italian painter of the Quattrocento, active mainly in Urbino. Widely regarded as one of the most enigmatic artists, there are only nine works that can be definitively…
Architectural Motif Piece
Campo Santa Maria Zobenigo, Venice
Love garden with elegant figures
veduta della piazzetta di san marco dal lato del molo
Architectural Motif Piece
View of the Colosseum
Palace Gardens with Poor Lazarus in the foreground
View of the Forum Romanum and the Via Sacra. In the background the Capitol
View of the Roman Forum
View of the Forum Romanum and the Via Sacra. In the background the Capitol
Roman Market
Ideal City