Artwork

The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1755: A Triumphal Bridge with Antiquities from Herculaneum

The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1755: A Triumphal Bridge with Antiquities from Herculaneum is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Giuseppe Vasi. It dates from 1755 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1755 etching by Giuseppe Vasi depicts a fantastical architectural structure. Titled The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1755: A Triumphal Bridge with Antiquities from Herculaneum, it showcases Vasi's skill in printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The print features a grandiose, arched bridge teeming with ancient statues and columns, blending real and imagined elements from Rome and Herculaneum. It commemorates the Chinea festival, where Naples showcased its cultural riches.

Technique & Style

Vasi's etching is characterized by intricate detail and a sense of grandeur. The tiny figures populating the scene emphasize the monumental scale of the depicted antiquities.

Context

Vasi created this work for a clientele of wealthy Italians with a passion for classical art and antiquity. The Chinea festival, which the print celebrates, was an occasion for Naples to display its cultural treasures.