Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Exterior of the Farnese Palace
Medium
Engraving; first state of two
Dimensions
sheet: 17 1/2 x 22 1/16 in. (44.5 x 56 cm) plate: 13 1/4 x 21 1/4 in. (33.6 x 54 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1941
Accession Number
41.72(3.48)
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite engraving, *Speculum Romanae Magniae: Exterior of theese Palace* (1549), captures the grand facade of one of Rome's most iconic Renaissance palaces. Created by engraver Nicolas Beatrizet and by Antonio Lafreri it belongs to the renowned *Speculum Romanae Magniae*—a celebrated 16th-century anthology of over 500 prints that served as a "mirror" reflecting Rome's ancient ruins and modern splendor. These images fueled the era's fascination with classical antiquity, attracting artists, scholars, and pilgrims to the Eternal City. The Farnese Palace, designed by architects like Antoni...