A Reconstruction of the Arch of Septimius Severus

Art Historical Context

Jan Goeree's *A Reconstruction of the Arch Septimius Severus*, before 1704, a meticulous 17th-century vision of one of ancient Rome's most iconic monuments. The Dutch artist and architect, known for his precise renderings of classical antiquities, captured the triumphal arch built around 203 AD to honor Emperor Septimius Severus military victories over the Parthians. Erected at the end of the Via Sacra in the Roman Forum, the real arch—adorned with intricate reliefs of men, horses, and battle scenes—still stands today, a testament to imperial grandeur. Goeree's drawing reflects the era's growing fascination with Greco-Roman heritage, bridging antiquity and the emerging neoclassical revival. Executed on two joined sheets of paper, this large-scale work (14½ × 17⅞ inches) masterfully combines red chalk for subtle modeling, pen and black ink for sharp architectural lines, brush and gray wash for atmospheric depth, and shadowy modeling. These techniques highlight the arch's soaring vaults, ornate columns, and dynamic sculptural friezes, evoking the monument's monumental scale and narrative power. As a drawing from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection (gift of Helen and János Scholz, 1958), it showcases how early modern artists like Goeree reconstructed history through scholarly imagination, aiding architects and enthusiasts in appreciating Rome's enduring legacy.

About the Artist

Jan Goeree · 1670–1731

Comment on works: Painter; Draughtsman; Engraver; History; Subjects in landscapes