Mercurii Templum, from a Series of 24 Depicting (Reconstructed) Buildings from Roman Antiquity

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.

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.

Most copper plates for this series have been engraved on both sides. This print is taken from the same plate as the 'Sepulchrum Adriani'.