The image shows two circular architectural compositions side by side. The left composition displays a large domed building with a detailed facade, columns, and statues. An arched bridge-like structure is nearby, with a figure looking towards the scene. The right composition features grand steps leading to another domed edifice, surrounded by trees and decorative urns. Intricate colonnades and statues are present. Both scenes use fine lines, blue washes, sepia tones, and soft blues. The horizon is suggested by the arrangement of the architectural elements within the circular frames, without a defined landscape. Cursive inscriptions and ink blots are also present.
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The image shows two circular architectural compositions side by side. The left composition displays a large domed building with a detailed facade, columns, and statues. An arched bridge-like structure is nearby, with a figure looking towards the scene. The right composition features grand steps leading to another domed edifice, surrounded by trees and decorative urns. Intricate colonnades and statues are present. Both scenes use fine lines, blue washes, sepia tones, and soft blues. The horizon is suggested by the arrangement of the architectural elements within the circular frames, without a defined landscape. Cursive inscriptions and ink blots are also present.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Architectural Fantasies with Temples and Pyramids

Filippo Juvarra

Date
1704
Medium
pen and iron gall ink with blue and brown wash on laid paper
Dimensions
sheet: 20.3 x 29.9 cm (8 x 11 3/4 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1989.6.1
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1701 to 1725
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • Italian
  • Italy
  • exterior
  • architecture
  • Classical
Provenance

Carlo Prayer [1826-1900] (Lugt 2044), Milan; (sale, Christie, Manson & Woods, London, 8 December 1987, no. 52); acquired 1989 by NGA.

Inscription

lower center in iron gall ink: Prospettive / Fatti a 15. Agosto 1704- / in Roma; extensive inscriptions in iron gall ink on verso

Watermarks

Orfini arms

NGA object ID 70973. 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.