Artwork

Capitoline, Rome

Capitoline, Rome, by Melchior Küsel, ink, 1681
Capitoline, Rome, by Melchior Küsel, ink, 1681

Capitoline, Rome is an ink print by the Baroque artist Melchior Küsel. It dates from 1681 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Melchior Küsel's 1681 etching, Capitoline, Rome, is a black-and-white print depicting a monumental architectural scene set against a sky with trees and clouds. The composition includes figures and a horse in the foreground, evoking a sense of depth.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates the Capitoline Hill in Rome, a historically and politically significant location, featuring a grand building adorned with columns and statues. The inclusion of everyday figures (a seated person and two standing near a horse) juxtaposes the mundane with the monumental.

Technique & Style

Küsel employed etching techniques to achieve a three-dimensional effect, utilizing lines to create depth. The overall aesthetic resembles a staged setting, characteristic of Baroque-era printmaking.

History & Provenance

Created in 1681 by Melchior Küsel, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

This etching reflects the Baroque interest in capturing Rome's architectural grandeur and daily life. It aligns with the period's printmaking practices, which often featured famous landmarks.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of Capitoline, Rome are not provided, etchings like Küsel's contributed to the dissemination of images of Rome's landmarks across Europe during the Baroque period.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Melchior Küsel

Artist

Melchior Küsel

Melchior Küsel (1626–1684) was an artist, born in Augsburg.

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