Artwork

Section of the Courtyard of Palazzo Farnese

Section of the Courtyard of Palazzo Farnese, by Italian 16th Century, ink, 1560
Section of the Courtyard of Palazzo Farnese, by Italian 16th Century, ink, 1560

Section of the Courtyard of Palazzo Farnese is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Italian 16th Century. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Antonio Lafrèri’s 16th‑century engraving presents a measured slice of the Palazzo Farnese courtyard.

About this work

Overview

Antonio Lafrèri’s 16th‑century engraving presents a measured slice of the Palazzo Farnese courtyard. Rendered in fine line work, the print isolates a segment of the space, allowing the viewer to study the architectural ornamentation without the distraction of the surrounding building.

Subject & Meaning

The image concentrates on the courtyard’s decorative program, highlighting the profusion of carved reliefs and sculptural elements that frame the open area. By focusing on a single section, the print underscores the Renaissance emphasis on harmonious detail and the interplay between architecture and sculpture.

Technique & Style

Executed through the engraving process, Lafrèri employed meticulous incising to achieve crisp, controlled lines that delineate the intricate patterns of the stonework. The technique permits a high level of precision, rendering the complex motifs and three‑dimensional qualities of the carvings on a two‑dimensional surface.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑1500s, the print was part of a broader circulation of architectural views that catered to collectors and scholars of the period. Lafrèri, a prominent engraver and publisher in Rome, distributed such images to document and disseminate the visual language of contemporary Italian palaces.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Italian 16th Century

Artist

Italian 16th Century

A 16th-century Italian sculptor left us small bronze works in dark brown and gold.

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