Pietro Bartoli, Scene from Trajan’s Dacian Campaigns, Etching, 1672

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Etching on paper realized in 1672. A finely executed engraving by the celebrated Roman antiquarian, draughtsman, and engraver Pietro Santi … Read more Etching on paper realized in 1672. A finely executed engraving by the celebrated Roman antiquarian, draughtsman, and engraver Pietro Santi Bartoli, depicting a martial episode from the reliefs of the Column of Trajan. The composition illustrates a dramatic encounter between Roman forces and Sarmatian cavalry allied with the Dacians, rendered with remarkable clarity and archaeological precision. Armoured horsemen surge across the field of battle while Roman infantry engage in close combat, the scene animated by vigorous movement and densely interwoven figures. Bartoli’s engravings of Trajan’s Column are among the most important visual records of one of antiquity’s greatest monuments. Produced from careful study of the ancient reliefs, they played a pivotal role in disseminating knowledge of Roman military history and classical art throughout Europe. The present plate combines documentary accuracy with the engraver’s refined technical skill, translating the sculptural language of the original marble frieze into a richly detailed graphic composition. The lower margin contains explanatory Italian text identifying the episode and its historical context, characteristic of Bartoli’s celebrated series devoted to the monuments of Imperial Rome. The plate demonstrates the artist’s mastery of line engraving, evident in the meticulous treatment of armour, horses, drapery, and landscape elements, as well as his ability to convey the narrative complexity of the ancient relief. Good overall impression with strong, well-defined lines. Minor age-related toning and handling wear consistent with the age of the sheet. Margins preserved. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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