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Antiquity & ruins
Antique Roman Temple Architecture & Archaeological Plan, Montfaucon, 1721
€680
$765 · £575
Original print, not a reproduction
Ships worldwide from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked. 14-day returns. To buy, use Ask a question (info@antiquearchitectureprints.com) and we will reserve it for you.
- Date
- 1721
- Sheet size
- 16.3 × 19.9 in (41.3 × 50.5 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Good antique condition with age toning, light foxing, and minor edge wear consistent with age. The sheet shows original fold lines as issued and retains wide margins. Plate mark visible.
- Collection
- Antiquity & ruins
- Era
- 1700 to 1789, Baroque to Neoclassical
- Stock no.
- f_50042372
Antique Roman Temple Architecture & Archaeological Plan, Montfaucon, 1721
An impressive and highly detailed 18th-century engraving depicting Roman temple architecture, monumental complexes, and archaeological reconstructions, taken from Bernard de Montfaucon’s celebrated work *Antiquity Explained and Represented in Sculptures*, published in London in 1721. This large-format plate (Plate 9, Vol. II) presents a rich visual synthesis of classical antiquity, combining architectural elevations, ground plans, and perspective reconstructions of ancient Roman buildings.
At the center and upper sections, the composition features a grand architectural complex rendered in precise linear perspective, likely inspired by Roman imperial forums or temple precincts. Surrounding this are detailed studies of temple façades, including columned porticoes in the classical orders, alongside smaller vignettes and medallion-style representations referencing archaeological findings and ancient coin imagery. The lower section presents a panoramic elevation of a monumental structure, possibly a reconstruction based on excavated remains in Rome, labeled “Vue from Rome,” emphasizing the scholarly ambition of the work.
Montfaucon’s publication was among the earliest attempts to systematically document and interpret the material culture of antiquity, making this engraving not only visually compelling but also historically significant. The plate reflects the intellectual spirit of early Enlightenment archaeology, where classical ruins were studied, catalogued, and imaginatively reconstructed for a European audience fascinated by the ancient world.
This engraving is particularly appealing to collectors of architectural prints, classical antiquities, and early archaeological publications. Its large scale and strong graphic composition make it ideal for framing as a statement piece, especially within a study, library, or refined interior with a classical or scholarly aesthetic.
Condition: Good antique condition with age toning, light foxing, and minor edge wear consistent with age. The sheet shows original fold lines as issued and retains wide margins. Plate mark visible.
Framing tips: Pairs beautifully with a dark walnut or ebonized frame and a wide ivory or off-white mat to enhance the warm paper tone and fine engraved detail. A museum-style presentation will emphasize its architectural clarity and historical depth.
Note: The print is an original antique engraving, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The piece is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Technique: Copperplate engraving
Maker: Bernard de Montfaucon, France, 1721
