The Seconda Macchina for the Chinea of 1759: A "Deliziosa" with a Bacchanal
1759
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1759
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This print shows a courtyard with two tall buildings and a big tree in the center. People are gathered under the tree, some standing, some sitting, while others move around. Below, a few figures ride in a cart, and a dog runs nearby. Flags fly on poles at the top corners, and the scene looks busy but orderly. The text at the bottom names it a "Seconda Macchina" for a special event in 1759. It’s a detailed record of a temporary structure built for celebration. Next, look up the technique: etching to see how artists like Vasi made prints like this.
