Vergrößern
Creative Commons LogoCreative Commons

Eagle bas-relief from the portico of the Santi Apostoli church in Rome

With outstretched wings and a steely gaze, the eagle encircled by a wreath of oak leaves symbolizes the power of Imperial Rome. The relief panel probably originated from the Forum of Trajan. Modern-day visitors to Rome can still see it on display in a porch of the church of Santi Apostoli, where it was also on display in Piranesi’s day. As the work of two separate draughtsmen, this sheet demonstrates two different but complementary drawing styles: one in red chalk, including the meticulous shading, and one with brisk penwork above it in black. This sheet allows us to trace the fascinating work steps and division of labour in the Piranesi workshop.

Artwork information

  • Artist

    Nicolas François Daniel Lhuillier (c. 1736–1793), reworked in the Piranesi studio (Giovanni Battista or Francesco Piranesi?), Group 5

  • Place and date

    Rome, probably between 1755 and 1768, reworked before 1770

  • Dimensions (sheet)

    292 x 661 mm

  • Inventory number

    IX 5159-35-35-1

Keywords

    GND terms

    Version history


    This page has already had an update of content. Please use the following link to switch to the latest version.
    Zur neusten Version wechseln

    Comments

    This field enables you to leave comments on our objects. These comments will be viewed by our employees and displayed publicly to all readers afterwards.

    I agree to the processing and storage of my data with the purpose of the publication of my comment. I can revoke this consent at any time at the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe.