Architectural Capriccio with an Arcade and Fountain in Point Perspective [Study for a Painting of John the Baptist before Herod]

Hans Vredeman de Vries

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Design for an architectural capriccio with an arcade and fountain on a landscape-sized sheet. The main focus of the drawing is the architectural structure characterized by a triple arcade supported by Corinthian pillars. The central arcade is characterized by a decorated barrel vault, while the one to the left is coffered and the one on the right has cross-rib vaults. The bases of the pillars flanking the central arcade are decorated with lion’s masks and strapwork decorations. The arcade appears to be part of a larger building, as is indicated on the left side of the drawing where the arcade opens into an interior. The central arcade through which the eye is guided by the perspectival lines, leads to a courtyard in the background. To the right, a separate building with a more rusticated loggia is visible. In the forefront to the right, part of a fountain is depicted characterized by a putto straddling a lion and holding up a tazza from which water falls down.

Drawings and Prints

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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