Design for the North Portal, Grand Gallery, Villa Albani, Rome, Italy
Classification
architecture
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors
Accession Number
1901-39-2178
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Behold this elegant *Design for the North Portal Grand Gallery, Villa Alb, Rome, Italy*, crafted around 1755 by Carlo Marchionni (1702–1786), a prominent Italian architect of the 18th century. Marchionni, known for his work blending late Baroque exuberance with emerging Neoc restraint, contributed significantly to Rome's architectural landscape during the Enlightenment era. This architectural drawing captures his vision for a grand entrance to one of the villa's most opulent spaces, reflecting the era's fascination with classical antiquity amid the Grand Tour phenomenon. Villa Albani, commiss...