Arch of Septimius Severus, Rome 1505 - 1571

Bartolomeo Neroni, better known as Il Riccio, was a 16th-century Italian artist. This drawing is a meticulous rendering of the Arch of Septimius Severus, a Roman triumphal arch in the Roman Forum. Il Riccio's detailed depiction of the arch's structure and the scenes carved onto its surface captures the grandeur of this iconic Roman monument. The drawing showcases his knowledge of classical architecture and his skill in perspective drawing, reflecting the growing interest in Roman antiquity during the Renaissance. This drawing, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers valuable insights into the artistic and architectural sensibilities of the 16th century, while documenting a significant piece of Roman history.