Egyptische obelisk in de tuin van de Villa Medici te Rome 1576 - 1618

This etching by Giovanni Maggi, created between 1576 and 1618, depicts an Egyptian obelisk in the garden of the Villa Medici in Rome. The detailed engraving, housed in the Rijksmuseum, captures the obelisk in a formal garden setting, with figures and architectural features. Maggi's meticulous representation of the obelisk's hieroglyphs highlights the fascination with ancient Egyptian artifacts during the Renaissance. The inscription at the bottom provides historical context, indicating the obelisk's origin in ancient Egypt and its connection to the Medici family, who commissioned the Villa. This artwork, with its focus on historical objects and their significance within a contemporary setting, exemplifies the interest in antiquity during the period.