Antonio Joli (Modena, 1700 – Naples, 1777) Pair of views 1. View of Rome with Trajan's Column and the Church of the Santissimo Nome di Maria 2. View of Rome (Piazza Colonna) with the Antonine Column, with Palazzo Chigi and Via del Corso Oil on canvas (41 x 31 cm - Framed 53 x 43 cm) Details of the works (click HERE) The two views of Rome proposed are taken from an invention created around 1740 by the engraver Giovanni Battista Piranesi (Mogliano Veneto, 1720 – Rome, 1778), who has always been fascinated by the antiquities of the Eternal City, and in particular are extracted from the collection entitled "Architectures and Perspectives", which included 135 views of Roman antiquities. It was a collection of plates depicting classic ruins and ancient monuments, which ensured him great fame, thanks above all to the always original and perspectively captivating cut of the compositions and the never predictable choice of subjects. In our case we have Trajan's Column, erected to celebrate the Roman conquest of Dacia (present-day Romania) by the Emperor Trajan, the salient moments of which are recalled in its sculptural decoration. The monument is immortalized from the side of Trajan's Forum, with the large dome of the Church of the Nome di Maria and Palazzo Bonelli behind it. The second illustrates the Column of Marcus Aurelius, an ancient monument erected to celebrate the victories of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180) obtained over the populations of the Danube, during the Marcomannic wars. Still in its original location, it gave its name to the current square in which it stands, Piazza Colonna, with Palazzo Chigi behind it. Paintings like these were originally born as a sort of 'souvenir', intended in particular for British travelers who arrived in Italy during their Grand Tour, satisfying the picturesque expectations of tourists who stayed in the Eternal City. The author of our pair of paintings, which represent a transposition on canvas of his creations, is certainly a valuable painter active in Rome in the second half of the eighteenth century. Executed around the sixth decade of the eighteenth century, we can in particular attribute the paternity to Antonio Joli (Modena 1700 – Naples 1777), presumably with the contribution of the workshop. Originally from Modena, he moved to Rome in 1720, where he was able to perfect himself alongside Giovanni Paolo Pannini from Piacenza. Based on his repertoire, where Roman views with the most popular squares of Rome, the Tiber and the Forums frequently appear, we know that he could not overlook the illustrious work of the Venetian Giovan Battista Piranesi. These views are distinguished by a marked sobriety in the chromatic choices and by the insistence on the architectural elements, often animated with small groups of figures. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The works are sold complete with 2 contemporary antique frames and are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card. We take care of and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any further information. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/