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Veterum Romanorum Thermae semirutae

Pietro Gaspari

1771

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century

Dominant colour

Veterum Romanorum Thermae semirutae is a 1771 ink by Pietro Gaspari, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Pietro Gaspari
When & what style?: 1771 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This print shows a fancy Roman-style garden with statues, fountains, and crumbling walls. Naked figures lounge near broken columns and water spouts, while a tall obelisk stands in the background. The scene looks old but carefully arranged, like a mix of ruins and grand design. The title *Veterum Romanorum Thermae semirutae* means "half-ruined baths of the ancient Romans," hinting this is a made-up view of history. The artist used lines to show texture, making the stone look rough and the figures smooth. Next, check out etching to see how artists carve images into metal plates.