The image depicts an elevated view looking into a courtyard or open space surrounded by architectural ruins. The horizon blends into the distant ruins, old structures, and arches. The artwork is an etching with detailed line work and fine, sketch-like brushstrokes defining the scene. The color palette is monochromatic, using black ink and ivory paper for depth. Closest are three figures near a rectangular base, with a broken column and scattered remnants. More figures are seen in the space, amid weathered structures and trees. The right side shows a large building with an archway, covered with vines and foliage.
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The image depicts an elevated view looking into a courtyard or open space surrounded by architectural ruins. The horizon blends into the distant ruins, old structures, and arches. The artwork is an etching with detailed line work and fine, sketch-like brushstrokes defining the scene. The color palette is monochromatic, using black ink and ivory paper for depth. Closest are three figures near a rectangular base, with a broken column and scattered remnants. More figures are seen in the space, amid weathered structures and trees. The right side shows a large building with an archway, covered with vines and foliage.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Architectural Fantasy with Roman Ruins

Joseph Stephan

Date
1769
Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 15.3 x 23 cm (6 x 9 1/16 in.) sheet: 17.3 x 25.1 cm (6 13/16 x 9 7/8 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1999.18.1
Credit line
Gift of Melissa J. Stegeman in honor of Paul Mellon
Time span
1751 to 1775
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • etching
  • German
  • fantasy
  • architecture
Provenance

Paul Prouté S. A.; purchased 1999 by NGA.

Inscription

lower center in plate: Joseph. Stephan. inven. et sculp. 1769.; lower left below plate, in graphite: Ecole venetienne (undeciphered) 1744; on verso, lower right, in graphite: 96/134; No. 252

Watermarks

unidentified coat of arms?

NGA object ID 108658. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.