Ancient World, City Views, Italy, Rome, Primo Giorno del Anno
Rome. - "Primo Giorno del Anno"
Mezzotinta and copper etching in warm sepia color.
There is no credit for artist, nor name of publisher. We have checked the internet up and down, also the publicized inventory of the British Library, usually a sure source of knowledge. But we could not find a single hint for this beautiful print. So we have to stay vague - unless a reader of this can help. Any hint is very welcome.
The print had been trimmed to its plate marks, then mounted on underlaying 18th century paper. The title (see above) was cut out and mounted in the center and below the print onto the support paper. Traces of age and use on print and on support paper.
Lively scene of a "New Year's Day" celebration in Rome during the Roman Empire. A holiday in ancient Rome brings out people to unite for the New Year's Day happenings. Our nowadays New Year's Day on January 1 actually began to be a holiday in the year 153 BC, when the Roman Imperial Council changed the beginning of each new year from March 1 to January 1. This became official only when Caesar confirmed the "Julian Calendar".
Here we see the populous romanus enjoying the holiday densely crowded in front of this Roman classical architecture, which the artist created as a recosntruction.
41,5x 52 cm (ca. 16.3 x 20.5")