Partial View of a Monument [Mercurii Templum] from the series 'Ruinarum variarum fabricarum delineationes pictoribus caeterisque id genus artificibus multum utiles'
Perspectival depiction of the right half of a temple, referred to as the ‘Mercurii Templum’, set in a stylized landscape. Curiously, the building does not appear to have an entrance, but both the central and right bay are marked by an aedicula, indicating that it might have functioned as an altar. A temple of Mercury is referenced in Medieval descriptions of Rome, although the precise location nor remains have been uncovered so far. The current rendition is likely based on descriptions as is the case for various other prints in the same group.
This print and several others in this series published by Gerard de Jode were copied after a group of Italian architectural prints, previously attriputed to the Master G. A. with the Caltrop, and first published in Rome between 1530 and 1550. The prints depict buildings from Roman Antiquity, ranging from triumphal arches to bath houses, temples and palaces in Italy, France and Spain. Some of the buildings have been artificially reconstructed based on Medieval descriptions, while others are depicted in their ruinous states.
This print and several others in this series published by Gerard de Jode were copied after a group of Italian architectural prints, previously attriputed to the Master G. A. with the Caltrop, and first published in Rome between 1530 and 1550. The prints depict buildings from Roman Antiquity, ranging from triumphal arches to bath houses, temples and palaces in Italy, France and Spain. Some of the buildings have been artificially reconstructed based on Medieval descriptions, while others are depicted in their ruinous states.
Artwork Details
- Title: Partial View of a Monument [Mercurii Templum] from the series 'Ruinarum variarum fabricarum delineationes pictoribus caeterisque id genus artificibus multum utiles'
- Artist: Lambert Suavius (Netherlandish, ca. 1510–by 1576)
- Artist: After a print previously attributed to the Monogrammist G.A. with the Caltrop (Italian, 1530–1540)
- Publisher: Gerard de Jode (Netherlandish, 1509/17–1591)
- Date: 1554
- Medium: Etching
- Dimensions: Plate: 5 5/16 x 3 1/8 in. (13.5 x 7.9 cm)
- Classifications: Books, Prints, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1948
- Object Number: 48.13.4(73b)
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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Multiple artists/makers
1554
Anonymous, Italian, 16th century
Monogrammist G.A. with the Caltrop
Plates ca. 1530–50
Lambert Suavius
mid-16th century
Lambert Suavius
1553
Lambert Suavius
1525–76
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