Artwork
Veue d'une Antiquité de Constantin proche de Rome
Veue d'une Antiquité de Constantin proche de Rome is an ink print by the Baroque artist Israël Silvestre. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Veue d'une Antiquité de Constantin proche de Rome is a 1650 etching on laid paper by French artist Israel Silvestre, depicting a classical ruin situated near Rome, alongside a body of water.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures a crumbling ancient structure on a rocky cliff overlooking water, surrounded by trees, a fence, and a serene sky. The subject reflects 17th-century European fascination with documenting historical and cultural sites.
Technique & Style
Silvestre employed fine etching lines to convey intricate details of the ruin's architecture, the turbulent water, and the natural surroundings, characteristic of his topographical style.
History & Provenance
Created during Silvestre's travels in Italy, the etching was likely produced from a sketch, later etched and distributed, aligning with his practice of commercializing his travel recordings.
Context
This work embodies the mid-17th century's penchant for antiquarianism and the burgeoning interest in topographical representations, particularly of Italian landscapes and ruins.
Artist & collection
Artist
Israel Silvestre (13 August 1621 in Nancy – 11 October 1691 in Paris), called the Younger to distinguish him from his father, was a prolific French draftsman, etcher and print dealer who specialized in topographical views and perspectives…
Castle under Siege
Vuë de l'Eglise sainct Pierre, et du Chasteau Sainct Ange
Palais de la Reyne Catherine de Medicis
Veue de Berny a deux lieues de Paris sur le chemin d'Orléans
L'Eglise Saincte Sophie de Constantinople, bastie par Constantin le Grand; a present Mosquée du Grand seigneur
Campo Vacina
Veuë d'une partie de la place Navonne a Rome
Veue de l'Eglise nostre Dame de Rouen
