Amphitheatrum Titi vulgo Colosseum qua respicis S. Ioannem Lateranum - G. Lauro 1615

📜 Description
Copperplate engraving depicting the Flavian Amphitheatre (Colosseum) in Rome, shown in oblique perspective and oriented toward San Giovanni in Laterano, as indicated by the engraved title at the upper margin: “Amphitheatrum Titi vulgo Colosseum qua respicis S. Ioannem Lateranum”. The structure is rendered with its elliptical form and clearly articulated tiers of superimposed arcades, with a partially ruined section on the left side emphasizing the monument’s state in the early modern period.

The engraved line is precise and analytical, focusing on the architectural rhythm of the arches and the volumetric clarity of the construction. The surrounding setting includes scattered ruins and gentle elevations, with small animated figures and a carriage in the foreground providing scale and narrative context. Along the lower margin, a wide engraved text panel presents a descriptive antiquarian commentary, arranged in continuous lines and integrated into the composition as a documentary element.

📚 Historical-Artistic Note
Giovanni Lauro, active in Rome in the early seventeenth century, is recognized for his role in the dissemination of engraved views dedicated to the monuments of ancient Rome. His work belongs to the antiquarian tradition, aimed at documenting the city’s classical heritage for a learned European audience.

This engraving exemplifies that approach, combining perspectival representation with a descriptive and documentary intent. Within the context of contemporary production, it distinguishes itself through the clarity of its architectural rendering and the structured organization of space, contributing to its readability and historical value.

🧾 Technical Sheet
Author: Giovanni Lauro
Title: “Amphitheatrum Titi vulgo Colosseum qua respicis S. Ioannem Lateranum”
Place of publication: Rome
Publisher: Mascardi
Date: 1615
Technique: Copper engraving (etching)
Subject: Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheatre), Rome
Dimensions: sheet 23.5 × 32 cm; plate 18 × 24 cm
Condition: very good overall condition

🔍 Condition Report
Sheet in very good overall condition, with light toning and minor traces along the lower margin. Central vertical fold visible. Margins regular. The engraved surface remains sharp and well-preserved, with the lower descriptive text clearly legible.