18th Century Italian Neo Classical Villa of Maecenas Black and White Engraving

$1,300

About

Decorate an office or study with this antique black and white engraving. Hand colored in Italy circa 1770, the large monochromatic etching is set in a black and gilt frame with protective glass, and depicts “Veduta interna della Villa di Mecenate” in Rome. The decorative wall decor is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, and adorns wonderful details. The Gardens of Maecenas, or Horti Maecenatis, constituted the luxurious ancient Roman estate of Gaius Maecenas, an Augustan-era imperial advisor and patron of the arts. The property was among the first in Italy to emulate the style of Persian gardens. The walled villa, buildings, and gardens were located on the Esquiline Hill, atop the agger of the Servian Wall and its adjoining necropolis, as well as near the horti. Among the earliest subjects of the Vedute, not surprisingly, was the seat of Christendom, Saint Peter’s Basilica, and many of the other subjects Piranesi etched and hoped to sell to tourists are the sites that visitors still seek out today—the Colosseum, the ancient arches and baths, the Piazza Navona, the Campidoglio, and the major churches. Measures: 35″W x 30″H.

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