Gezicht op ruïnes op de Palatijn in Rome 1561

Johannes of Lucas van Doetechum's "Gezicht op ruïnes op de Palatijn in Rome" is a 1561 etching depicting the ruins of the Palatine Hill in Rome. The artwork features a detailed perspective of the ancient structures overgrown with foliage, with a focus on the arches and crumbling walls. The etching captures the Romantic fascination with the grandeur of antiquity juxtaposed with the passage of time and decay. The artwork is a testament to the enduring power of Roman architecture and the enduring allure of the past. The etching was created for a series of prints documenting the ruins of ancient Rome, and its detailed depiction provided a glimpse into the past for those who couldn't travel to Italy themselves. The small scale of the print, measuring 235 mm in height and 324 mm in width, indicates its intended use for personal study and contemplation. It remains a significant piece in the Rijksmuseum collection and offers a valuable perspective on the Renaissance fascination with the classical world.