Artwork

Column in Saint Mark’s Square

Column in Saint Mark’s Square, by Luca Beltrami, ink, 1877
Column in Saint Mark’s Square, by Luca Beltrami, ink, 1877

Column in Saint Mark’s Square is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Luca Beltrami. It dates from 1877 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Markings
Marked:blindstamp in lower right corner of plate: LUCA

About this work

Overview

Column in Saint Mark’s Square is an 1877 etching by Luca Beltrami, currently part of the National Gallery of Art collection in Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a solitary figure, dressed in casual, loose attire and a wide-brimmed hat, leaning against the base of an ornate column in Saint Mark’s Square. The contrast between the everyday individual and the intricately carved, historic column highlights the juxtaposition of mundane life with architectural heritage.

Technique & Style

Created using etching on wove paper, the work showcases Beltrami’s use of this medium for precise, layered details, evident in the column’s carvings of scrolls, faces, and swirls, topped by a lantern.

History & Provenance

Produced in 1877, the etching is now housed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., as part of its print collection.

Context

This piece reflects a common 19th-century artistic theme of capturing daily life in the vicinity of historic landmarks, offering a glimpse into the era’s appreciation for contrasting modernity with antiquity.

Rome, Arch of Titus
Rome, Arch of Titus, Luca Beltrami

Artist & collection

Portrait of Luca Beltrami

Artist

Luca Beltrami

Luca Beltrami was an Italian architect and architectural historian, known particularly for restoration projects.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Column in Saint Mark’s Square?

Column in Saint Mark’s Square was painted by Luca Beltrami in 1877.

Where can I see Column in Saint Mark’s Square?

Column in Saint Mark’s Square is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Column in Saint Mark’s Square?

Column in Saint Mark’s Square is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Column in Saint Mark’s Square?

Museum-quality prints of Column in Saint Mark’s Square are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.