Antique Engraving after the Columna Cochlis by Bartoli
A beautiful and rare engraving originally from Giovanni Pietro Bellori’s work “Columna Cochlis M. Aurelio Antonino Augusto Dicata…”. The engravings were meticulously etched by Pietro Santi Bartoli and were included in the publication of the volume in Rome in 1704.
The Columna Cochlis refers to a triumphal column situated in the Piazza Colonna, built around 180 CE. Its surface features intricate relief carvings arranged in 21 spirals, depicting the military campaigns of Marcus Aurelius against the Marcomanni and the Sarmatians. The specific plate in question, plate 26, continues the narrative of the military expeditions that took place between 172 and 175 CE. The engraving portrays Marcus Aurelius positioned at the center-right, accompanied by his attendants, issuing orders to his troops to depart and return to the river. Below the image, the Latin text provides explanations for the prominent elements depicted on the plate, each corresponding to a numbered reference. Notably, Bartoli faithfully reproduced the erosion present in the original image and intentionally left a blank space to the left of the tents.
Condition: This engraving is in excellent condition, printed on hand-laid paper.
Dimensions: 44 x 34 cm; 33,5 x 14,5 cm (print); 14.5 x 19.5 inches; 13.0 x 6 inches (print).
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For other details and the item’s condition see the photos. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. More photos are available on demand.
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This is an original antique print. We don’t sell reproductions.
The item will be shipped in a cardboard tube.