Architectural design in Roman order

Architectural design in Roman order by Anonymous, 18th century

Medium

Pen and gray ink, brush and gray wash

Dimensions

sheet: 4 7/16 x 4 15/16 in. (11.3 x 12.6 cm)

Classification

Drawings

Department

Drawings and Prints

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Gift of Regina Slatkin, 1963

Accession Number

63.712.52

Tags

Architecture

Art Historical Context

This delicate 18th-century drawing titled *Architectural Design in Roman Order*, showcases the enduring fascination with classical antiquity that swept through Europe during the Enlightenment. Created anonymously, it exemplifies the meticulous study of Roman architectural principles—likely one of the five classical orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan, or Composite)— formed the backbone of Western design from ancient Rome to the neoclassical revivals. At just 4 7/16 x 4 15/16 inches, this intimate sheet feels like a personal sketchbook page, perhaps from an architect, student, or designer ...

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