Della Trasportatione dell' Obelisco Vaticano, 1590
Domenico Fontana; Engraver: Natale Bonifacioexpand_more
Engraving, etching and letterpress; bound volume.expand_more
The Mary and Robyn Campbell Fund for Art Booksexpand_more 2017.14
Not on Viewexpand_more
In ancient times, a massive Egyptian obelisk was brought to Rome and set up in what would eventually become known as the Circle of Nero. In 1585, Pope Sixtus V wanted to move the 340-ton stone needle so that it would stand before the newly rebuilt Saint Peter’s Basilica. Unfortunately, the ancient knowledge of how to move such a massive object had been forgotten. A competition brought forth hundreds of ideas on how to do it, many of which would have been disastrous if attempted. The winner was Domenico Fontana, who went on to complete the task with great success. In this book he describes and illustrates in detail the amazing process, which involved the synchronized labor of hundreds of men and horses.
Details
- Title
- Della Trasportatione dell' Obelisco Vaticano
- Artist Life
- (born in Switzerland), 1543–1607
- Role
- Author
- Accession Number
- 2017.14
- Provenance
- (Ursus Rare Books, New York. cat. 336, no. 18; sold to Mia)
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Mortimer 193; Fowler, p. 107
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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