Author: Unknown engraver, published by Nicolas van Aelst (1550s ?-1613)
Title: [Antique print, engraving, ca. 1600] Statue of Marcus Aurelius (Standbeeld van Marcus Aurelius), published ca. 1600, 1 p.
Description: The equestrian monument of Marcus Aurelius seen in profile after Michelangelo's restoration.Lettered across top of image 'Visitur Romae in Capitolio'. Caption lettered in a cartouche to left 'Paulus III Pont Max Statuam.../...in aream capitolinam transtulit atq dicavit an sal M.D.XXXVIII'. Dedication to Cardinal Odoardo Farnese lettered in cartouche at the right, followed by publication detail 'Nicolaus van Aelst Bruxellensis ded.'.In 1540 Antonio Lafreri, a native of Besançon transplanted to Rome, began publishing maps and other printed images that depicted major monuments and antiquities in Rome. After Lafreri published a title page in the mid-1570s, collections of these prints came to be known as the Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae, the Mirror of Roman Magnificence. Tourists and other collectors who bought prints from Lafreri made their own selections and had them individually bound. Over time, Lafreri's title page served as starting point for large and eclectic compilations, expanded and rearranged by generations of collectors.At top center numbered in pen and brown ink: 136.[NL] Standbeeld van Marcus Aurelius te paard, op het Capitool te Rome. Prent uit Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae. Engraving on paper, trimmed within plate mark and pasted on another sheet of laid paper; total: 475 x  349 mm; some rubbing and soil, traces of folding and creases on the right margin, discolourations, slightly yellowing paper; overall in fair condition. Bartsch 558.

Keywords: Animals|Archeology|Italy|Maritime & Military|Old Master Prints|Portraits|Rome|sculpture