Ruïne van de thermen van Trajanus of Mezza Via aquaduct
1624 - 1629
Medium
brush
Dimensions
87; 81
About this artwork
height 87 mm x width 81 mm
Art Historical Context
Bartholomeus Breen's *Ruïne van de thermen van Trajanus of Me Via aquaduct* (c. 1624–1629) invites visitors into a intimate glimpse of ancient Rome's grandeur in decay. This diminutive brush work, measuring 87 mm high by 81 mm wide, captures evocative ruins of Emperor Trajan's Baths or the nearby Mezza Via aqueduct—monuments from the 2nd century AD that symbolized imperial power. Created during Breenbergh's formative years in Italy, the piece reflects the Dutch artist's fascination with classical antiquity, a theme central to his career as a pioneer of Italianate landscape painting in the Nort...
About the Artist
Bartholomeus Breenbergh
Probably was apprenticed in Amsterdam. He was one of the early Dutch italianates, that is, northern artists who travelled to Italy in the 1620s and were inspired by southern landscapes. On his return, he settled in Amsterdam and his landscapes were developed as more severe and monumental, often with historical subjects; strongly influenced by the Pre-Rembrandtists. Comment on works: Landscapes; Ru...