Opmetingstekening van de Boog van Galienus in Rome 1518 - 1580

Andrea Palladio’s measuring drawing of the Arch of Gallienus in Rome presents an austere yet meticulously rendered study in ink. The drawing is dominated by the arch's symmetrical facade, delineated with a precise linearity that speaks to Palladio's architectural focus. The composition emphasizes the interplay of geometric forms. The semi-circular arch springs from two supporting columns, crowned with ornate Corinthian capitals. These elements are not merely represented but methodically measured, with notations that reveal Palladio's analytical approach. The ground plan at the bottom offers a different perspective. The use of line and form invites us to consider the underlying structure of classical architecture, reducing it to a series of quantifiable elements. Palladio's drawing functions as both a record and an interpretation, reflecting his deep engagement with classical ideals through the lens of Renaissance humanism. This meticulous drawing reveals the way Palladio used form to understand culture.