Who painted Entablature from the Temple of Vespasian, Rome?

Entablature from the Temple of Vespasian, Rome was painted by Pseudo-Pier Francesco Fiorentino in 1537.

Where can I see Entablature from the Temple of Vespasian, Rome?

Entablature from the Temple of Vespasian, Rome is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Entablature from the Temple of Vespasian, Rome?

Entablature from the Temple of Vespasian, Rome is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Entablature from the Temple of Vespasian, Rome

Pseudo-Pier Francesco Fiorentino , 1537

Entablature from the Temple of Vespasian, Rome is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Pseudo-Pier Francesco Fiorentino. It dates from 1537 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The print is an engraving dated 1537, attributed to the artist known as Master PS.

About this work

The word "CORINTHIA" is written in the middle, and below it says "Rome" and "1537," hinting this is a real building’s design.

This drawing shows layers of stone-like blocks stacked in an "L" shape. The top edges have carved scrolls and flowers, almost like vines. Numbers and Latin notes are scribbled around the edges, marking measurements in what looks like old-style handwriting.

The word "CORINTHIA" is written in the middle, and below it says "Rome" and "1537," hinting this is a real building’s design. The lines are precise, with some areas filled in using tiny parallel lines for shading.

Next, check out how engraving works to see how artists create these detailed lines.

Overview

The print is an engraving dated 1537, attributed to the artist known as Master PS. It depicts the entablature of the Temple of Vespasian in Rome, rendered as a series of stone blocks arranged in an L‑shaped configuration. The composition includes carved scrolls and floral motifs along the upper edges, accompanied by handwritten Latin annotations and measurements surrounding the frame.

Subject & Meaning

The image records architectural details of the Vespian temple’s upper structure, emphasizing the decorative scrolls and vine‑like foliage that adorned the original stonework. The central inscription “CORINTHIA” identifies the order of the entablature, while marginal notes provide dimensions, suggesting the print functioned as a reference for scholars or craftsmen studying Roman architecture.

Technique & Style

Executed with fine, parallel hatching, the engraving achieves subtle shading and depth across the stone surfaces. Precise line work delineates the block edges and ornamental scrolls, while the hand‑written annotations appear in a contrasting, cursive script. The overall style reflects the meticulous draftsmanship typical of mid‑16th‑century printmaking, aimed at documenting architectural forms with clarity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1537, the print likely circulated among architects, antiquarians, and artists interested in classical models during the Renaissance revival of Roman design. The attribution to Master PS, an anonymous engraver active in the period, indicates the work was part of a broader tradition of disseminating measured drawings of ancient monuments for educational purposes.