Arcus Lutii Septimii, from a Series of Prints depicting (reconstructed) Buildings from Roman Antiquity

Perspectival depiction of the right half of a double triumphal arch, referred to as the ‘Arcus Lutii Septimii’ set in a stylized landscape. The arch appears to be placed on a square and is stripped from all its ornaments and relief decorations, aside from a statue which crowns one of the protruding piers with Ionic or Composite pillars that flank the arches. While the proportions are incorrect, the overall composition of the arch resembles the arch of Septimius Severus in Rome.

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.

Most copper plates for this series have been engraved on both sides. This print is taken from the same plate as the 'Tenplum Iovis Ultoris'.

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.