Felix Benoist, View of the Forum from Rome in Its Grandeur, 1865, Engraving, Framed

View of the Forum from "Rome in its Grandeur," 1865, Philippe and Felix Benoist
Original engraving made in 1865 by Philippe and Felix Benoist in Nantes in the classical style of depictions of Italy as seen by travelers on the "Grand Tour." Natural sepia tone, it is part of the three-volume work containing 100 plates, "Rome in its Grandeur," published by Henri Charpentier in 1870.
The subject is the ruins of Rome, specifically the Forum. The Arch of Constantine is recognizable in the background on the right. The work follows the stylistic elements of evoking the grandeur of Rome, now in decline, unchanged from Piranesi onwards. The image's luminosity is original, suggesting that the engraving derives from a daguerreotype and not a drawing. Philippe Benoist was, in fact, a disciple of the great photographer Daguerre.
The lithograph bears the authors' names and comes with a certificate of authenticity on the back. It is presented in an elegant frame.
An essential piece for adding character to a contemporary study or living room, even in a contemporary setting.
Preservation: impeccable.
Dimensions: 62 x 52 cm
Elegant burl wood frame included.
About the authors: Philippe Benoist, French painter and lithographer (Geneva 1813 – Paris 1905), a student of Louis Daguerre (1787–1851), created several works over the years, depicting cities such as Rome, Venice, Paris, and Pompeii, reproducing their monuments and views. His engravings are present in several volumes: “Rome dans sa grandeur” 1870, “Napoli d'après nature” 1830, “Paris dans sa splendid, sous Napoléon III” 1862 and “ de Paris” 1861. Between 1836 and 1879 he exhibited at the Paris Salon.
Today, Benoist's works are listed and offered by the main Italian auction houses.