22. Hieronymus Cock
(ca. 1510-1570)
Colossaei Ro, Prospectus I

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Cock: Colossaei

Colossaei Ro, Prospectus I

Etching, 1551, 237 x 326 mm., Hollstein 23, Riggs 2, from Views of Roman Ruins. Very fine impression on laid paper with watermark of an orb and cross, with large margins; vertical printer's crease in the upper half of the image, mildly annoying. This is Cock's best view of the Colosseum, the southwest side, and an important print as well as being one of the earliest views of the subject. It is quite dramatic in composition. At the right, a shaded, receding wall starting from the edge of the plate leads the eyes directly to the sunlit massive structure. At the left, a distant view shows an arch and mountains behind. A quartet of figures, one riding a donkey and holding an infant, passes by, making one think of a “Flight into Egypt” -- as arranged by a incompetent travel agent.