$110.00
This framed print features the “Temple of Janus Quadrifons,” the only surviving ancient quadrifons triumphal arch in Rome. The name is derived from the structure’s four-fronted, four-arched configuration (see history below). Published by Bernard Picture Co., New York City, it’s a print after an aquatint engraving by Matthew Dubourg (British, active 1808-1838) and consists of a detailed depiction of the arch as it existed prior to 1830, when the attic and top were torn down because they were erroneously believed to not belong to the original structure. The original aquatint by Dubourg was part of his “Views of the Remains of Ancient Buildings in Rome, and Its Vicinity,” which seems to be the first book that the artist produced entirely on his own; it consists of 26 aquatints engraved by Dubourg “with a Descriptive and Historical Account of Each Subject.” The colors of our print are muted browns with blues, pinks and greens that add dimension and interest. The print, as well as the gold-and-cream frame, likely date from the mid-20th century (Bernard Picture Co. was incorporated in 1951). The dust cover is new; the glass is original to the frame. Excellent preowned vintage condition with some minor scuffs on the frame. Beautiful addition to a gallery wall or collection of Roman art.
A companion piece is listed here: https://www.vintage-keepers.com/product/vintage-framed-print-of-the-temple-of-vesta-at-tivoli-after-an-aquatint-engraving-by-matthew-dubourg-21-75-x-17-75/
Please request a 10% coupon if purchasing both. Shipping will be adjusted accordingly.
1 in stock
HISTORY (from online sources): The so-called Arch of Janus was not actually dedicated to that Roman god. It was set up in the early 4th century AD at a crossroads at the northeastern limit of the Forum Boarium (cattle market). The significance of the arch is poorly understood: it is thought to have been a boundary marker rather than a triumphal arch. An alternative view is that it was built to provide shelter for the traders at the Forum Boarium cattle market. Its modern name probably dates from the Renaissance or later, and was not used to describe it in classical antiquity. The ancient Roman god Janus (Ianus Quadrifons), was sometimes depicted with four faces, and there are Janus-related structures mentioned in historic descriptions of ancient Rome. It was built using spolia, i.e. material salvaged from earlier buildings, including bricks, together with pottery shards, and was covered with white marble, also from earlier buildings. In the Middle Ages, the Frangipane family transformed the building into a fortress, and so it survived intact until 1830, when the attic and top were torn down because they were erroneously believed to not belong to the original structure. However, there is a staircase within the northwest pier which would have given access to this top floor. Iron pins originally held together the marble blocks but were removed in the Middle Ages, leading to the monument’s present pock-marked look. The arch has not been accessible to the public since the explosion of a bomb in front of San Giorgio in Velabro, on the night of 27 July 1993. It is the one monument of the Forum Boarium that remains unrestored.
SHIPPING: $20 flat rate shipping valid only for street addresses within contiguous United States; we cannot deliver to post office boxes. For shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and elsewhere, please contact us with your location for a custom shipping quote.
A WORD ABOUT VINTAGE: Our inventory consists of vintage or antique items which are more than 20 years old, usually used or pre-owned, unless marked “new old stock.” As such, there may be signs of wear and age, which we will disclose to the best of our ability. Nevertheless, we encourage you to carefully read the description and view the photos, especially when purchasing a gift. All items ship with tracking and insurance, and although we do not accept returns, we will offer a refund in case of breakage or damage during transit, upon receipt of sufficient proof.
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Customer has up to 30 days unless vendor opts out of return policy per item to return a product for any reason such as damaged item, size, or unhappiness with product upon arrival. Read our full return policy.
I purchased two items from this shop. They arrived surprisingly quickly, and it was evident that extreme care was taken to ensure they arrived safely. I greatly appreciate the attention and extra care when packaging up the items. How sad it would be to purchase an antique that has survived multiple generations, only to be destroyed by USPS! Thank you so much for a wonderful shopping experience!
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danicatheracecardriver –
Wonderful experience, meticulous packaging!
I purchased two items from this shop. They arrived surprisingly quickly, and it was evident that extreme care was taken to ensure they arrived safely. I greatly appreciate the attention and extra care when packaging up the items. How sad it would be to purchase an antique that has survived multiple generations, only to be destroyed by USPS! Thank you so much for a wonderful shopping experience!