Artwork

Plan of the Rooms and Church of the Sacred Monastery (Pianta di parte della loggia e del sacro eremo) [plate K]

Plan of the Rooms and Church of the Sacred Monastery (Pianta di parte della loggia e del sacro eremo) [plate K], by Jacopo Ligozzi, ink, 1612
Plan of the Rooms and Church of the Sacred Monastery (Pianta di parte della loggia e del sacro eremo) [plate K], by Jacopo Ligozzi, ink, 1612

Plan of the Rooms and Church of the Sacred Monastery (Pianta di parte della loggia e del sacro eremo) [plate K] is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacopo Ligozzi. It dates from 1612 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1612 engraving by Jacopo Ligozzi presents a detailed architectural plan of a monastic complex, showcasing the artist's proficiency in meticulous design and illustration.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a fortified monastery with thick walls, small windows, labeled internal rooms, and narrow connecting passages, set on a raised base surrounded by a moat-like space. Its jagged outer walls and detailed layout suggest a focus on security and functional organization.

Technique & Style

Ligozzi employed fine lines and nuanced shading to convey depth and texture, particularly in the rendering of walls and roofs, characteristic of the precision achievable through engraving.

History & Provenance

Created in 1612 by Jacopo Ligozzi, an Italian artist of the late Renaissance and Mannerist periods, the work's provenance and specific commission context are not detailed here, though it aligns with contemporary practices of detailed architectural documentation.

Context

Such engravings were commonly used in the period to record and disseminate the designs of actual buildings, highlighting the intersection of art, architecture, and documentation in early 17th-century Italy.

Legacy

While the broader impact of this specific work is not elaborated, it contributes to the historical record of monastic architecture and the artistic techniques of its time, with its detailed approach influencing later architectural illustrations.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacopo Ligozzi

Artist

Jacopo Ligozzi

Jacopo Ligozzi (1547–1627) was an Italian painter, illustrator, designer, and miniaturist. His art can be categorized as late-Renaissance and Mannerist styles.

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