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Antiquity & ruins
Pair of Serlio Architectural Plan Engravings, Neoclassical, c.1721
£745
$990 · €880
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
- 16.5 × 19.7 in (42 × 50 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Good antique condition overall with age-related toning, scattered foxing, and light wear to the margins consistent with age. Original center folds as issued.
- Collection
- Antiquity & ruins
- Era
- 1700 to 1789, Baroque to Neoclassical
- Stock no.
- f_50256422
Pair of Serlio Architectural Plan Engravings, Neoclassical, c.1721
This elegant pair of original antique copperplate engravings presents a sophisticated series of classical architectural ground plans inspired by the influential Renaissance architect Sebastiano Serlio. The engravings originate from Bernard de Montfaucon’s celebrated work Antiquity Explained and Represented in Sculptures, published in London in 1721, one of the most important early studies of classical antiquity and architectural history.
The sheets depict an impressive range of centralized temple and church plans, domed structures, geometric architectural studies, and ornamental layouts derived from classical Roman architectural theory. Their refined balance of circles, apses, polygonal forms, and symmetrical compositions creates a remarkably modern visual effect while remaining deeply rooted in the architectural ideals of antiquity and the Renaissance.
Montfaucon’s monumental publication was among the earliest attempts to systematically document and interpret the artistic and architectural remains of the ancient world. Drawing upon earlier Renaissance architectural sources such as Serlio, these engravings became influential reference material for architects, scholars, collectors, and Grand Tour travelers throughout the eighteenth century. Today, they remain highly decorative examples of early architectural printmaking and are particularly appealing to architects, interior designers, and collectors of neoclassical design.
Displayed together, the pair forms a harmonious and visually compelling ensemble. The matching format, engraving style, and tonal consistency make them exceptionally suitable for framing side-by-side in a library, study, architectural office, or modern minimalist interior. From a distance, the compositions almost resemble abstract geometric artworks, giving the engravings a timeless decorative appeal.
These are original antique engravings, not reproductions. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The prints are sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Condition: Good antique condition overall with age-related toning, scattered foxing, and light wear to the margins consistent with age. Original center folds as issued.
Framing tips: Displays exceptionally well as a symmetrical pair in matching dark walnut, museum black, or lightly gilt frames with generous ivory or parchment-toned mats.
Technique: Copperplate engraving
Maker: Bernard de Montfaucon, France, 1721
