Items Similar to Venerable Vespasian's Arena: The Colosseum in its Prime, circa 1705
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8
Venerable Vespasian's Arena: The Colosseum in its Prime, circa 1705
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:
- 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:
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
1,932 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Eternal Echoes Engraved: The Pantheon, Rome's Ancient Marvel, circa 1705Located in Langweer, NLThe engraving titled "Pantheon nunc vulgo la Rotunda" is attributed to the publishing efforts of Joan Blaeu and was part of a series published around the ea...Category
Antique Early 18th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Antique Print of the Vatican Obelisk, C.1705Located in Langweer, NLAntique print titled 'Obeliscus in Exquilus - Obeliscus in Vaticano'. This print shows the Vatican obelisk. Made by or after J. Goeree. Artists and Engra...Category
Antique 18th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Antique Print of the London Colosseum, c.1840Located in Langweer, NLAntique print titled 'Coliseum, Regents Park'. Steel engraved view of the London Colosseum, Regent's Park. Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engravers: Anonymous C...Category
Antique 19th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Antique Print of the Temple of Romulus in Rome, Italy C.1705Located in Langweer, NLAntique print titled 'Romuli et Remi Templum - Remuliet remi Templum'. This print shows the Temple of Romulus in Rome. Made by or after J. Goeree. The antique print, titled 'Romuli...Category
Antique 18th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper
- The Revered Doyen: A Portrait of Venerable Leadership, Lithograph Published 1847Located in Langweer, NLThis original antique lithograph for sale depicts a historical figure known as a "Doyen," which typically refers to the senior member of a body or group. This individual is portrayed...Category
Antique 1840s Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Antique Map of Asia by Sanson, circa 1705By Nicolas SansonLocated in Langweer, NLDutch edition of Sanson's map of Asia. Shows a large, dramatic version of Terre de Jesso, drawn from the discoveries of the Maarten de Vries expedition of 1643.Category
Antique Early 18th Century Dutch Maps
MaterialsPaper
You May Also Like
- "At the Ring, " Rare Art Deco-Cubist Olympics Print Depicting the Boxing ArenaBy Milivoy UzelacLocated in Philadelphia, PAOne of the rarest of Milivoy Uzelac's Olympics prints, this scene depicts the boxing arena from several vantage points -- from above, from the vantage p...Category
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Prints
- Amour Nu by Adolfo Arenas AlonsoLocated in London, GBAmour Nu by Adolfo Arenas Alonso We share what we love, and we love this original lithograph printed and signed by the well renowned artist Adolfo Ar...Category
20th Century Spanish Decorative Art
MaterialsPaper
- Chromo-Lithograph Boat of Nymphs by H Clementz in Its Frame, Late 19th CenturyLocated in Labrit, LandesBoat of Nymphs by Hermann Clementz. Clementz was a German genre and portrait painter (1852-1930). In 2012, the original oil painted of this lithograph "Boat of Nymphs" was found in...Category
Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Napoleon III Prints
MaterialsPaper, Wood
- Original Antique Print After Rembrandt, Labourers in the Vineyard, circa 1840By Rembrandt van RijnLocated in St Annes, LancashireWonderful image after Rembrandt. Fine steel engraving. Published by Fisher, London. circa 1840 Unframed.Category
Antique 1840s English Baroque Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Karel Appel Hors D’commerce "Dancing in the Spring" Signed Lithograph circa 1970By Karel AppelLocated in West Palm Beach, FLLithograph titled "Dancing in the Spring" pencil signed by Karel Appel 1970, H.C, in brushed aluminum and glass frame. Karel Appel is one of the founding members of the CoBrA movemen...Category
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Singin' in the RainLocated in London, GBOriginal Japanese film poster for the Classic 1952 Musical. This romantic comedy musical was directed and choreographed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen. It also stars Kelly, Donald O...Category
Vintage 1960s Japanese Posters
MaterialsPaper
