Artwork
The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1764: A Capitol Building

The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1764: A Capitol Building is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Giuseppe Vasi. It dates from 1764 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The whole scene looks like a stage set, with steps and platforms leading up to the main building.
This drawing shows a fancy building with lots of columns and statues. The top floor has arches and small figures standing around. Below, people on horses and foot are marching in a big parade. The whole scene looks like a stage set, with steps and platforms leading up to the main building.
The artist used shading to make the scene look 3D. The text at the bottom says this was made for a special event in 1764.
Next, check out etching to see how artists create these detailed prints.
Overview
The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1764: A Capitol Building is an etching created by Giuseppe Vasi in 1764.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a grandiose architectural structure with columns and statues, accompanied by a procession of figures on horseback and on foot. The scene is rendered in a theatrical manner, with tiered steps and platforms leading to the main building, suggesting a ceremonial or festive context.
Technique & Style
Vasi employed shading techniques to achieve a three-dimensional effect in the etching, creating a detailed and elaborate representation of the scene.
History & Provenance
The print was created for a special event in 1764, as indicated by the text at the bottom of the image, likely related to the Chinea festival.
















