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The image depicts an ancient architectural scene with various structures and activities. In the center, a large obelisk is being erected with wooden beams and ropes. To the left are engraved stone blocks. In the background, there is a building with open windows. On the right, a crowd is gathered, observing the scene. The artwork is detailed, showing texture and age through intricate lines. The monochromatic palette emphasizes form and texture. The composition is structured yet dynamic, showcasing both the static structures and construction activity.
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The image depicts an ancient architectural scene with various structures and activities. In the center, a large obelisk is being erected with wooden beams and ropes. To the left are engraved stone blocks. In the background, there is a building with open windows. On the right, a crowd is gathered, observing the scene. The artwork is detailed, showing texture and age through intricate lines. The monochromatic palette emphasizes form and texture. The composition is structured yet dynamic, showcasing both the static structures and construction activity.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Alzata dell'Obelisco di Campo Marzio (Excavation of the Obelisk from the Campo Marzio)

Jean Barbault

Date
after 1748
Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 19 × 28.8 cm (7 1/2 × 11 5/16 in.) sheet: 26 × 43.5 cm (10 1/4 × 17 1/8 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
2016.198.1
Credit line
Purchased as the Gift of Vincent J. Buonanno
Time span
1726 to 1750
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • etching
  • Italy
  • landscape
  • history
Provenance

(Joel R. Bergquist Fine Arts, Stanford); purchased 2016 by NGA.

Inscription

in ground, lower center of image: Barbault del sculpsit / Romae; on stone in lower left of image: C / CESAR DI VI / AVGVSTVS / PONTIFEX MAX / IMP XIICOS XII TRUSA... / ...SOLIDONVM DEDIT; lower left in plate: A.B.C.D. Pezzo dell'obelisco che si tira su / E. 4 Capre. F. Code delle capre. G. Traverse.; lower center in plate: Alzata dell'Obelisco di Camp Mars / R. Maestro Nicola Abaglia Ingeniere di S. Pietro; lower right in plate: H. I. Altra traversa L. Pollee, M. Pollee legate a / linea del tiro N.O.P.Q. Quattro argani;

NGA object ID 207776. 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.