Palatium Se Lugduni [Later changed to Termae Antoniae Imp], from a Series of Prints depicting (reconstructed) Buildings from Roman Antiquity

Perspectival view of a building in its ruined state, referred to here as the ‘Palatium Se Lugduni’, but changed in a later state to ‘Termae Anonianae Imp’. The latter, which refers to the complex now more generally known as the Baths of Caracalla may in fact be the correct identification of the source used for this print. This does not negate the fact that the printmaker may have intended to depict a Roman building in the city of Lyon, however, as most of the prints in this series appear to have been made as a form of ekphrasis, and elements from existing architecture has been used on several occasions.

The print is part of a group of architectural prints depicting 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. The plates are known in several (uncatalogued) states, and have undergone minor changes over time. Several titles of buildings have been changed, and the plates have been cropped as a result of plate cracks and oxidation.

The current print is known in a state before title, a state with the current title and a later state with the new identification 'Termae Antonianae'. Due to damages, the plate edges were cut or filed several times, and as a result the fir tree on the right diminishes in size in later impressions.

Most copper plates for this series have been engraved on both sides. This print is printed from the same plate as the 'Templum Idor Egito'.

This group of prints was purchased as part of an an album in 1926, but taken apart by the Museum in 1934. The album appears to have been compiled in the 17th century, although the majority of prints date from the 16th century. The larger part of the prints is focused on mythological subjects and objects and architecture from Antiquity. The album was part of the collection of the architect Hippolyte Destailleur and was sold in the sale of his books and prints in 1895. The Museum acquired the album at G. Rapilly & Fils in 1926. Where the album had been kept in the mean time is unclear and several prints were taken out in this period. The museum's numbering does not reflect the order of the original album, but Destailleur's numbering system is retained on the inidividual sheets, allowing for the reconstruction of its original content.