The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1757: The Colonnade of the Athenian Lyceum

Art Historical Context

Step into the grandeur of 18th-century with *The Prima Macchina for theinea of 1757: The Colonnade of Athenian Lyceum*, exquisite etching by Giuseppe Pozzi designs by Giuseppe Palazzi and Paolo Posi. Created in 1757, this print captures the first of the elaborate temporary structures—or "macchine"—erected for the annual Chinea festival This lavish Roman tradition, sponsored by the Spanish monarchy, honored the Pope with a gift of a white horse (the *chinea*), accompanied by fireworks, music, and monumental architecture evoking classical antiquity. Here, the colonnade mimics the Athenian Lyceum, Aristotle's famed philosophical school, blending neoclassical revival with Baroque spectacle. Etched on laid paper—a fine, textured support typical of the period—Pozzi's meticulous technique translates Posi's architectural vision into a dynamic print (plate: 36.2 x 51.6 cm). The intricate lines convey depth, shadow, and scale, allowing the ephemeral *macchina* to endure as art. Posi, a leading Roman architect, and Palazzi's design reflect the era's passion for antiquity amid papal pomp, making this a window into Enlightenment-era spectacle. Housed in the National Gallery of Art (William B. O'Neal Fund, CG-E department), it highlights how prints democratized elite festivities, preserving cultural memory for posterity. A testament to Rome's theatrical heritage!