[Templum Saturni - State before name], from a Series of Prints depicting (reconstructed) Buildings from Roman Antiquity

Perspectival depiction of the left part of a temple, referred to as the ‘Templum Saturni’ in a later state. The building is characterized by its central plan, placed on a two-stepped podium that follows the contour of the floorplan. The main body of the building is circular in shape, with an avant-corps on the front and left side marked by semi-circular absidioles on the ground floor level and a portico with a pediment on the second floor. The building is crowned by a cupola supported by a double drum and a pointed tip.

The print is part of a group of architectural prints depicting buildings from Roman Antiquity, ranging from triumphal arches to bath houses, temples and palaces in Italy, France and Spain. Some of the buildings have been artificially reconstructed based on Medieval descriptions, while others are depicted in their ruinous states. The plates are known in several (uncatalogued) states, and have undergone minor changes over time. Several titles of buildings have been changed, and the plates have been cropped as a result of plate cracks and oxidation.

This copy of the print is from a state before the name of the building had been inscribed in the plate. Destailleur identified it in his album as the 'Templum Jani' [in an inscription below the print].

Most copper plates for this series have been engraved on both sides. This print is printed from the same plate as the 'Templum Isaiae Prophetaei'.

This group of prints was purchased as part of an an album in 1926, but taken apart by the Museum in 1934. The album appears to have been compiled in the 17th century, although the majority of prints date from the 16th century. The larger part of the prints is focused on mythological subjects and objects and architecture from Antiquity. The album was part of the collection of the architect Hippolyte Destailleur and was sold in the sale of his books and prints in 1895. The Museum acquired the album at G. Rapilly & Fils in 1926. Where the album had been kept in the mean time is unclear and several prints were taken out in this period. The museum's numbering does not reflect the order of the original album, but Destailleur's numbering system is retained on the inidividual sheets, allowing for the reconstruction of its original content.