A large, nicely-framed Italian hand-colored engraving in tones of terracotta and black (17th century, with more recent matte and frame) by Pietro Bartoli. The engraving depicts the mosaic ceiling in the church of Santa Costanza outside of Rome, which was studied by the ecclesiatical archaeologist Giovanni Ciampini. The mosaic ceiling no longer exists, but is known through various depictions of the artwork, such as this engraving. The images include Christian imagery including the sacrifice of Cain and Abel and possibly Noah building the ark. The upper row of mosaics is believed to represent scenes from the New Testament, with caryatids dividing the ceiling into twelve segments. The engraving is captioned in Latin: "Opus Musiuum olim in tholo Templi, quod vulgo creditur Bacchi, nunc Sancte Constantie extra Portam Piam cariatides, et Telamones in duodecium dividant Segmenta, ubi plura autumnales ferias, et piscationis Genium demostrant, iuxta interpretionem Ciampini qui mediatatem exhibet Veterum monum." In the 17th century, the church of Santa Costanza was known as the "Temple of Bacchus," and was the site of rowdy Bacchic festivals until Pope Clement XI banned the rites in 1720. Pietro Santo...
Category
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Prints
MaterialsPaper, Paint, Wood, Ink