Voorwerpen gevonden in een Romeinsch graf te Obbicht

About this artwork

height 370 mm x width 270 mm

Art Historical Context

"Voorwerpen gevonden in eeninsch graf te Oicht" (Objects Found in a Roman Grave at Obb), created by Dutch artist Andries van den between 1862 and1887, captures the thrill of 19th-century archaeological discovery. This lithograph meticulously illustrates artifacts unearthed from a Roman tomb Obbicht, a in the Netherlands' Limburg province, part of the ancient Roman frontier along the Rhine. In an era of growing interest in classical antiquity, such finds offered glimpses into daily life and burial practices of Roman settlers in Germania Inferior, blending history with national pride for Dutch scholars. Lithography, the printmaking medium here, was ideal for van den Berg's precise renderings. Invented in the late 18th century, it allowed artists to draw directly on stone with greasy crayon, producing detailed multiples from a single plate—perfect for disseminating scientific illustrations to museums, universities, and collectors. Measuring 370 mm high by 270 mm wide, this sheet likely served as both an artistic document and an educational tool, highlighting pottery, jewelry, or tools typical of Roman graves. Today, it reminds us how 19th-century artists bridged art and science, preserving fragile heritage for future generations. Imagine holding a piece of Rome in the Dutch countryside—van den Berg's work invites us to ponder the enduring echoes of empire.

About the Artist

Andries van den Berg · 1852–1944

Comment on works: graphic artist; still lives; genre