View of the Column of Marcus Aurelius 1690 - 1704

Jan Goeree created this drawing of the Column of Marcus Aurelius using pen and brown ink, with gray wash. This isn’t just a straightforward architectural study, though. Goeree has framed his view with an elaborate archway, complete with sculptural details, medallions, and even some classical ruins. He is consciously constructing an image of Rome as a layered, historical entity. It is the materiality of the drawing that brings this home. Look closely, and you can see the marks left by the artist’s hand, the variations in the ink as it pools and dries on the page. It is the skillful application of line and wash that give depth and texture to the ancient stones, animating the scene. Ultimately, Goeree's technique bridges the gap between documentation and artistic expression, inviting us to consider Rome's past through a lens of skilled craft.