The Tomb of Pope Clement XIII Rezzonico in the Vatican
Original title: The tomb of Pope Clement XIII Rezzonico in the Vatican
kurzbeschreibung
Raphael Morghen's engraving from around 1790 reproduces the tomb of Pope Clement XIII Rezzonico in the Vatican. It shows a monumental funerary monument with allegorical figures, executed as an engraving. Within the reproductive printmaking of the late eighteenth century, this sheet holds a representative position.
Description
A strict symmetry governs the layout, with a sarcophagus at its center. On top, a figure in white robes kneels in prayer. To the left stands a female figure with a sun symbol on her head, carrying a cross banner; to the right sits an angel with a scepter. Two lion statues are placed in front of the sarcophagus. Gray tones dominate the monochrome print, and light falling from above highlights the figures and the structure of the sarcophagus. Inscriptions at the lower edge give the name of the builder and the year of erection.
Context
Antonio Canova created the tomb for Pope Clement XIII; it was installed in St. Peter's Basilica in 1792. Morghen engraved this print after Canova's sculpture so that a wider audience could become acquainted with the work. In the eighteenth century, reproductive engraving served above all to disseminate works of art. Morghen was one of the most famous engravers in Italy of his time.
Impact
The symmetrical arrangement and clear lines evoke a solemn, dignified mood. Because light and shadow are emphasized, the view gains plasticity and monumental impact. The print conveys the sublimity and devotion characteristic of funerary monuments of this era.
Technique
The sheet was produced as a copper engraving: the lines are incised into a copper plate and then printed. Graded tonal values are created by fine hatching. The sheet measures 31 11/16 × 22 7/16 inches (80.5 × 57 cm), the plate 29 3/4 × 18 7/8 inches (75.5 × 47.9 cm).
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)