The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1782: The Temple of Janus Built by Numa Pompilius
1782
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1782
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This print shows a grand, fake temple with tall columns and a triangular roof. Statues stand on the steps and around the building. People in old-fashioned clothes walk, talk, and climb the stairs. The scene looks like a mix of a stage set and a real place, with trees and rocks around it. The temple’s door is closed, and the whole thing looks like a prop for a big event. The artist carved fine details into the metal plate to make it look like a drawing. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this made prints.
