The Seconda Macchina for the Chinea of 1745: Triumphal Arch for the Return of King Charles of Bourbon to Naples
1745
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1745
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows a grand, imaginary triumphal arch made of stone and columns. At the top sits a statue, and smaller figures stand on the roof’s edges. Below, a crowd of people on foot and horseback marches in orderly rows, some holding flags. The scene looks like a celebration, with the arch acting as a stage for the parade. The text at the bottom calls it a "second machine" for a royal event in Naples. It’s drawn with fine lines, giving it a precise, almost architectural feel. Want to see more like this? Check out etching to learn how artists use needles to create detailed prints.
