A Reconstruction of the Arch of Gallienus (above) and a View of the Ruins (below) 1690 - 1704

This drawing, made around 1700 by the Dutch artist Jan Goeree, depicts a Roman ruin, the Arch of Gallienus. It’s rendered in pen and brown ink, with gray wash. The paper itself gives a warm tone, which Goeree articulates with fine, controlled lines. The drawing represents the arch in two ways: in an imagined complete state at the top, and as it existed in ruins below. This contrast gives Goeree a chance to demonstrate his skill. Notice how he picks out the volumes of the tumbled stones in the lower image, and the crisp architectural details above. This wasn’t just virtuosity for its own sake. In the 18th century, there was a growing market for accurate depictions of antiquity, fueled by the Grand Tour. Goeree wasn’t just showing off; he was also participating in a broader cultural project, documenting and preserving the legacy of classical architecture for a curious, and consuming, public. In his hands, drawing became a tool of both artistry, and commerce.