Architectural Capriccio of Ancient Rome with Figures: The Middle Part of the Circus Maximus
Italian School
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
circa 1600 - 1629
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
813 mm (H)1410 mm (W)699 mm (H)1296 mm (W)
Place of origin
Italy
Order this imageCollection
Kingston Lacy Estate, Dorset
NT 1257184
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, Architectural Capriccio of Ancient Rome with Figures: The Middle Part of the Circus Maximus, Italian School, early 17th century.The Circus Maximus, was the first and largest circus in Rome. According to Livy it was originally built in c.160 BC. Though primarily adapted for chariot races the circus was also used for athletic contests, wild beast fights and sea-battles. The circus was destroyed under Nero and again in the time of Domitian. A new circus was built by Trajan, Caracalla enlarged it and Constantine restored it after a partial collapse. The last games were held in AD.549. The obelisks now in the Piazza del Popolo and outside the Lateran once stood in the circus.
Provenance
First recorded in 1731; bequeathed by (Henry John) Ralph Bankes (1902 – 1981) together with the estates of Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy and its entire contents
Credit line
Kingston Lacy, The Bankes Collection (National Trust)
Makers and roles
Italian School, artist