Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: The Colosseum by Anonymous

Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: The Colosseum 1478 - 1562

drawing, print, architecture

drawing

aged paper

toned paper

light pencil work

print

pen sketch

pencil sketch

sketch book

personal sketchbook

pen-ink sketch

arch

pen work

sketchbook drawing

architecture

This anonymous 16th-century engraving, “Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: The Colosseum,” from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases the Colosseum in a cutaway view, revealing its intricate interior structure. The artist's perspective highlights the architectural details and grandeur of the ancient amphitheater, a testament to Roman engineering. The inclusion of an angel in the sky adds a symbolic dimension, emphasizing the enduring legacy of the Colosseum. This detailed depiction, known as "Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae", was a popular genre in Renaissance art that sought to document and celebrate the architectural wonders of ancient Rome.