1544
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Solomonic Column from Saint Peter's Basilica is a 1544 ink by Italian 16th Century, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a tall, twisted column with deep grooves and curls. It’s the kind called Solomonic—named for Solomon’s temple columns. The artist carved every twist and shadow to look real. This column stands in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It’s a 16th-century copy of an old design. Popes wanted grandeur, so they reused this dramatic style. If you like twisted shapes, check out Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s baldachin at the same basilica.
A 16th-century Italian sculptor left us small bronze works in dark brown and gold.
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