Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Temple of Antoninus and Faustina
Medium
Engraving
Dimensions
sheet: 16 1/8 x 12 5/8 in. (41 x 32 cm) mount: 20 11/16 x 14 15/16 in. (52.5 x 38 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(1.35)
Tags
About this artwork
This engraving depicts the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina in the Roman Forum, created in 1565 as part of the "Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae" series. The print shows the ancient temple with its distinctive Corinthian columns and dedicatory inscription, capturing one of Rome's best-preserved ancient structures. The temple was originally dedicated to the Empress Faustina in 141 CE and rededicated to both Faustina and her husband Emperor Antoninus Pius after his death, later converted into the c...
About the Artist
Antonio Lafreri|Anonymous · 1507–1577
Antonio Lafreri, born Antoine du Pérac Lafréry around 1512 in Orgelet in the County of Burgundy (modern-day France), emerged as one of the most influential print publishers of the 16th century after settling in Rome around 1540. His early life and training remain sparsely documented, with no records of specific teachers or art schools; he arrived in the Eternal City as an engraver, producing works...