Venerable Vespasian's Arena: The Colosseum in its Prime, circa 1705

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About the Item

The engraving titled "Amphitheatrum Vespasiani, nunc vulgo Il Coliseo" is an early 18th-century Dutch engraving, originally published by Joan Blaeu and reissued by Pierre Mortier between 1704 and 1705. The Blaeu family was known for their significant contributions to cartography and publishing during the golden age of Dutch map-making. This particular engraving was part of a larger work that celebrated the architectural and archaeological achievements of ancient Rome, showcasing the Colosseum not as ruins but as it was believed to have appeared in its original glory. The engraving is notable for its detail and the use of a cutaway section to reveal the interior structure, an innovative technique at the time. It was included in a collection that sought to evoke a sense of wonder and pride in Roman ancestry, often depicting buildings as they were imagined at their peak rather than in their 17th-century state. The Colosseum, as conceptualized in its original state, is the subject of an engraving known as "Vespasian's Amphitheater, Now Called the Colosseum," Plate V, emanating from the works on Vatican City, Rome, and Naples. This monochromatic print measures 17.5 by 21.25 inches within the plate mark and 22 by 26.25 inches overall. Crafted during the years 1704-05 in Amsterdam by Pierre Mortier, this architectural visualization offers a glimpse into the Colosseum's erstwhile grandeur, contrary to its partially dilapidated state. An insightful section is excised to detail the amphitheater's inner facade and structural nuances, guided by a legend. Furthermore, the print is adorned with an elaborate cartouche featuring heraldic symbols, dedicating this work to a distinguished figure of that era. The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is located in the center of the city of Rome, Italy. It is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and is one of the world's most famous and recognizable landmarks. The creation of this piece follows the destructive fire of 1672, which ravaged the Blaeu workshop, compromising many materials. Despite this setback, the Blaeu legacy endured, with subsequent publications by Joan Blaeu's successors. The Blaeu family, under the aegis of founder Willem Janszoon Blaeu, achieved prominence as preeminent cartographic publishers in 17th-century Europe. The enduring nature of the Blaeu name in cartography is further encapsulated by Pierre Mortier's efforts, who republished Blaeu's plates, sustaining the legacy of cartographic excellence alongside other notable French and Dutch contemporaries. For a more detailed exploration of the Blaeu family's contributions to cartography and the reissuing of their plates by Pierre Mortier, you might look into historical accounts of European mapmaking during the Dutch Golden Age.

Dimensions:
Height: 18.9 in (48 cm)Width: 22.64 in (57.5 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
Materials and Techniques:
Paper,Engraved
Period:
Early 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1705
Condition:
Repaired: A tear near lower part of folding line- repaired with few archival tape on reverse. Good, considering age. A tear near lower part of folding line- repaired with few archival tape on reverse. Small tear in top, touching the plate mark. A few creases visible - see scan. Aged paper with typically warm, yellowish-brown hue. Light foxing.
Seller Location:
Langweer, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: BG-13610-241stDibs: LU3054337836292

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