Artwork

The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1782: The Temple of Janus Built by Numa Pompilius

The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1782: The Temple of Janus Built by Numa Pompilius is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Francesco Barbazza. It dates from 1782 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:Lettered LL: "Giusep.e Palazzi Arch.to invento' " and LR: "Franco Barbazza incise" Lettered LC, below image: "Disegno della Prima Machina rappresentante un Tempio eretto da Numa Pompilio a Giano presso i Gentili Dio della Pace [...] l'Anno MDCCLXXXII"

About this work

Overview

The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1782: The Temple of Janus Built by Numa Pompilius is an etching created by Francesco Barbazza in 1782.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a grand, fictional temple with statues and figures in antique attire, suggesting a historical or mythological theme. The closed temple door and elaborate setting imply a ceremonial or theatrical context.

Technique & Style

The etching showcases fine detail and a range of textures, achieved through the artist's skilled carving of the metal plate. The result is a highly rendered image with a drawing-like quality.

Context

The print was created for the Chinea, an annual festival held in Rome, suggesting a connection to a specific cultural or commemorative event.