Das Kolosseum und der Konstantinsbogen vom Palatin aus gesehen 1779

Jean Baptiste Coste made this delicate rendering of the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine with graphite on paper. Notice the fineness of the graphite lines, built up through countless strokes to create this scene. Coste, as the artist, would have sat on the Palatine Hill with his paper, carefully observing the effects of light and shadow on the ancient ruins below. This type of drawing was a common way for artists to document their travels, serving as both a souvenir and a way to study the world. The amount of labor involved in creating such a detailed drawing is significant. Each line represents a conscious decision, a moment of observation and translation from the real world to the page. The social context of this work is tied to the tradition of the Grand Tour, where wealthy Europeans traveled to Italy to study classical art and architecture. Considering the material and the labor involved in its creation allows us to appreciate the drawing on a deeper level.