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The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1752: A "Deliziosa" Alluding to Villa Carl'Amalia in Caserta

Giuseppe Vasi

1752

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century

Dominant colour

The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1752: A "Deliziosa" Alluding to Villa Carl'Amalia in Caserta is a 1752 ink by Giuseppe Vasi, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Giuseppe Vasi
When & what style?: 1752 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This drawing shows a grand, temporary stage set up like a palace. Tall columns with statues on top line a wide platform. Smoke curls from the top of the tallest column, and people below carry torches or watch from carts. The scene looks like a mix of a fountain and a building, with steps and arches leading up to it. The text at the bottom explains this was built for a special event in 1752, inspired by a real villa. The artist used fine lines to create shadows and depth, making it look almost three-dimensional. Check out how this was made using etching.