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The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1770: An Roman Building for Commerce

Giuseppe Vasi

1770

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century Architectural

Dominant colour

The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1770: An Roman Building for Commerce is a 1770 ink by Giuseppe Vasi, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Giuseppe Vasi
When & what style?: 1770 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This print shows a grand, symmetrical building with three big doors and two towers on top. People in old-fashioned clothes walk around it, some carrying banners. Above, a hot-air balloon floats near the towers, and clouds fill the sky. The ground has trees and a few scattered groups of people. The balloon might be a special effect for a big event—this print was made for a trade fair in Rome. The artist used lines and shading to show depth, making the building look solid. Want to know more? Check out how etching works.