The Arch of Trajan at Benevento, Antique View of the Roman Arch, circa 1850

This is a view of the Arch of Trajan at Benevento, an original antique steel engraving, uncolored, circa 1850. The caption is set in three lines, Der TRAJANS-BOGEN in Benevent., German for the Arch of Trajan in Benevento.

The single arch fills the center of the plate, its piers and attic covered with sculptured relief panels of standing figures and a long frieze running across above the opening. The inscription panel at the top is drawn with its lettering, and plants grow on the cornice. A white building with three arched openings stands behind it at the left, trees and a wall climb at the right, a cloaked man stands at the lower left and small figures walk in the archway.

No artist or engraver is named under the image. Below the caption the plate carries the house imprint, Aus d. Kunstanst. d. Bibl. Inst. in Hildbh. at the lower left and Eigenthum d. Verleger at the lower right. The first is the art works of the Bibliographisches Institut in Hildburghausen, the second reads "property of the publishers." The plate number DLX is engraved at the top right.

The sheet comes from a dealer's album rather than from a bound set. Its imprint is that of Meyer's Universum, a serial collection of engraved views with descriptive text, published by Joseph Meyer's Bibliographisches Institut at Hildburghausen from 1833, its plates engraved on steel. The arch was raised in honor of the emperor Trajan where the Via Traiana left Benevento and was dedicated in AD 114.

Loss or wear at the bottom left, bottom right and top left corners. A deeper irregularity along the right edge. Even age toning. A few small foxing spots in the margin. Small light flecks in the printed area, to be checked by eye.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed.