Frontispiece of Robert Adam's Ruins of the Palace

Category

Library Item

Item no

28246

Title

Frontispiece of Robert Adam's Ruins of the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian at Spalatro in Dalmatia

Description

The frontispiece depicts Adam and his colleagues, in their mid-18th century dress, earnestly drawing the ruins. The residents of the town, which had grown up in and around the sprawling ruins, are pictured in their style of contemporary clothing.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Engraver

Bartolozzi, F.

Date

1764

Size

54.0 x 36.0 cm

Type

Engraving

Location

Art and Design Library

Robert Adam (1728-1792) was the son of Scottish architect William Adam and brother to James. In their joint architectural practice Robert and James forged the Adam style, inspired by Italian classical wall paintings, Roman design, and Enlightenment ideals.

Adam was fascinated with the art of drawing and the architecture of the classical world, and travelled through France and Italy on his Grand Tour 1755 to 1757.

During this period he sketched classical ruins and was tutored in architectural drawing and art history.
A particular inspiration was Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Croatia – an ancient palace built in the 4th century AD.
Published in 1764, Adam’s `Ruins of the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian at Spalatro in Dalmatia’ contains 61 plates of engravings, showing the palace in ruins.

The drawings themselves are not archaeologically accurate, but this project inspired Adam’s neo-classical style and linked his name with architectural antiquity. Adam’s Grand Tour influenced his work for the rest of his career.

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Related subjects

Animals > Mammals > Dogs

Architecture > Monuments > Statues

Homes > Derelict buildings and excavation sites > Ruins

People > Commercial activities > Street traders

People > Entertainment and sports > Artists

Places > Europe > Croatia

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Digital FileElectronic file 72 dpi JPEG	£6.10(inc. VAT 20%)
Digital FileElectronic File 300 dpi TIFF	£31.00(inc. VAT 20%)
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