Asprucci (Mario and Antonio) architectural drawings relating to the Villa Borghese in Rome and other Borghese commissions

Mario and Antonio Asprucci architectural drawings relating to the Villa Borghese in Rome and other Borghese commissions, Series I. 1786-early 1800s

Mario and Antonio Asprucci architectural drawings relating to the Villa Borghese in Rome and other Borghese commissions

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Scope and Contents

This group of architectural drawings, comprising forty-five drawings on forty-one sheets, documents the refurbishment of the Villa Borghese on the Pincian hill that was commissioned by Prince Marcantonio Borghese. The drawings include highly finished presentation sheets as well as utilitarian, preparatory studies. As architect to the Borghese family, Antonio Asprucci directed the work, however the drawings shed light on the role played by his son, Mario, and on Mario's use of a neoclassical vocabulary in the designs of pavilions, fountains, and other architectural elements.

flatfile 1**

Asprucci, Mario. Design for the Temple of Aesculapius, Villa Pinciana: Side and Rear View, 2021.M.12-1 1786

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : pen and brown ink and watercolor ; sheet 29.2 × 43.1 cm. Inscribed at center in graphite: Mario Asprucci Arch. / Villa Borghese / Giardino del Lago. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 1**

Asprucci, Mario. Design for a Round Temple, Villa Pinciana: Plan and Elevation 2021.M.12-2

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite, pen and black ink, with gray, pink and blue washes ; sheet 28.4 x 43.7 cm.

flatfile 2**

Recto: Design for the Acqua Felice, Villa Pinciana; Verso: Asprucci, Mario. Design for the Acqua Felice, Villa Pinciana 2021.M.12-3

Scope and Contents

Recto: 1 architectural drawing : pen and brown ink, brown wash, and graphite ; sheet 28.5 x 41.5 cm. Possible attribution to Mario Asprucci. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM. Verso: 1 architectural drawing : graphite ; sheet 28.5 x 41.5 cm. Inscribed at upper right: Mario Asprucci Arch. / Villa Borghese / Opposite the Giardino del Lago. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 3**

View of the Acqua Felice, Villa Pinciana 2021.M.12-4

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite ; sheet 37 x 29 cm. Unidentified attribution. Inscribed in the drawing: Ne Quem Mitissimus Amnis Jmpediat. Inscribed at lower center: in Villa Borghese. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 3**

Asprucci, Mario. Studies for a Fence for the Giardino del Lago, Villa Pinciana 2021.M.12-5

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : pen and brown ink ; sheet 38.3 x 33.2 cm. Inscribed at center in graphite: Mario Asprucci Arch. / Villa Borghese / Giardino del Lago. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM. Drawing by or after Mario Asprucci.

flatfile 3**

Design for the Placement of a Statue of Septimius Severus in the Giardino del Lago, Villa Pinciana 2021.M.12-6

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite, pen and black ink ; sheet 27.5 x 37.4 cm. Possible attribution to Mario Asprucci. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 3**

Asprucci Workshop. Designs for a Fountain with Palemon and a Dolphin, Casino dei giochi d'acqua, Aranceria, Villa Pinciana 2021.M.12-7

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite, pen and black ink, and wash ; sheet 34.9 x 25.7 cm. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 3**

Asprucci Workshop. Designs for a Fountain with Palemon and a Dolphin, Casino dei giochi d'acqua, Aranceria, Villa Pinciana 2021.M.12-8

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite and wash ; sheet 25.7 x 38.4 cm. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 4**

Asprucci Workshop. Designs for a Fountain, Casino dei giochi d'acqua, Aranceria, Villa Pinciana 2021.M.12-9

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : pen and black ink, wash, and graphite ; sheet 25.7 x 39 cm. Inscribed in graphite at lower right: (...) in Museum. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 4**

Asprucci Workshop. Designs for a Fountain, Casino dei giochi d'acqua, Aranceria, Villa Pinciana 2021.M.12-10

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite, pen and ink, and wash ; sheet 25.8 x 38.5 cm

flatfile 4**

Christopher Unterperger Workshop. Design for a Ruined Temple, Villa Pinciana 2021.M.12-11

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite ; sheet 31.2 x 46.5 cm. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 4**

Asprucci, Mario. Design for a Pavilion for Hercules, Telephus and Deer, and for the Reclining Silenus, Villa Pinciana 2021.M.12-12

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite ; sheet 43.4 x 29.5 cm. Drawing possibly executed in collaboration with Ennio Quirino Visconti (?). Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 5**

Designs for the Layout of the External Spaces in Front of the Rear Façade of the Casino della Cappella, Villa Pinciana 2021.M.12-13

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite, pen and gray ink, and gray and pink washes ; sheet 37.4 x 59.1 cm. Possible attribution of drawing to Mario Asprucci.

flatfile 5**

Asprucci Workshop. Design for a Fountain with a Statue of Hecate Triformis: Elevation and Plan 2021.M.12-14

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite and gray and blue washes ; sheet 26.9 x 38 cm

flatfile 5**

Design for a Fountain with a Faun Playing the Scabellum and Four Egyptian Lions, Villa Pinciana 2021.M.12-15

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : pen and black ink and watercolor ; sheet 27.2 x 44.9 cm. Inscribed in graphite at lower center: This fountain was behind the Gallery. The statue was sold to the Boncompagni. Drawing possibly executed by Mario Asprucci. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 5**

Asprucci, Mario. Project for the new Museo Gabino: Elevation, 2021.M.12-16 1792

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite ; sheet 30.3 x 43.5 cm. Inscribed: Monumenta E. Municipi Ruderibus Lacum Adspectantibus In Fundo Suo Tablino. A Fundamentis Extructo Marcus. Antonius. Burghesius Musis Et Artibus Dal. Ci I cc LXXXXii.

flatfile 6**

Recto: Asprucci, Mario. Studies for the Propylaea, Villa Pinciana; Verso: Asprucci, Mario. Study after Giovanni Battista Piranesi of an Antique Sepulcher on the Road to Tivoli 2021.M.12-17

Scope and Contents

Recto: 1 architectural drawing : graphite ; sheet 28.4 x 41.6 cm. Inscribed at lower right: First idea for the gate at Muro Torto. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM. Verso: 1 architectural drawing : graphite ; 28.4 x 41.6 cm. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM. Related work: G. B. Piranesi, Veduta di un sepolcro antico ... per la strada di Tivoli (G. B. Piranesi, Le antichità romane , t.II, tav. XXXIX).

flatfile 7**

Variations on Mario Asprucci's Designs for the Propylaea: Side Elevation, Central Front, Plan 2021.M.12-18

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : pen and black ink, wash, and graphite marks ; sheet 65.5 x 46 cm. The drawing is possibly attributed to an architect or draftsman working in the circle of Mario Asprucci.

flatfile 7**

Idea per un ingresso di un grande giardino: aspetto laterale interno, aspetto esterno, pianta 2021.M.12-19

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : pen and black ink and wash ; sheet 65 x 49 cm. Inscriptions: Idea per un ingresso di un grande giardino / Aspetto laterale interno / Aspetto esterno / Pianta / A. Grande ingresso. B. Ingressi particolari per i pedoni. C. Camere per i custodi. D. Portici per trattenimento delle vetture. In the center two scales in Parisian feet. The drawing is possibly attributed to an architect or draftsman working in the circle of Mario Asprucci.

flatfile 7**

Asprucci, Mario. Design for a Horse Farm: Elevation 2021.M.12-20

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite, pen and ink, and brown watercolor ; sheet 32.3 x 45.1 cm. Inscribed at lower left and center: Asprucci.

flatfile 7**

Asprucci, Mario. Design for a Dairy Farm: Elevation 2021.M.12-21

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite ; sheet 23.7 x 32.5 cm.

flatfile 8**

Recto: Asprucci, Mario. Fountain with Nymphaeum: Section; Verso: Asprucci, Mario. Fountain with Nymphaeum: Façade 2021.M.12-22

Scope and Contents

Recto: 1 architectural drawing : graphite, pen and ink, and gray wash ; sheet 37.8 x 64.1 cm. Inscribed at center: Asprucci. Verso: 1 architectural drawing : graphite ; sheet 37.8 x 64.1 cm.

flatfile 9**

Recto: Asprucci Workshop. Design for a Garden Exedra; Verso: Asprucci Workshop. Schematic Plan of the Enclosure in Front of the Casino Nobile 2021.M.12.23

Scope and Contents

Recto: 1 architectural drawing : graphite and gray wash ; sheet 22.6 x 35.3 cm. Inscribed at lower left: Asprucci. Verso: 1 architectural drawing : graphite ; sheet 22.6 x 35.3 cm.

flatfile 10**

Asprucci, Mario. Design for a Rotunda all'anticà 2021.M.12-24

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite, pen and black ink, and wash ; sheet 46.2 x 37 cm. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 10**

Asprucci, Mario. Design for a Pavilion Suggestive of an Ancient Roman Dwelling: Section 2021.M.12-25

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite, pen and black ink ; sheet 20 x 57 cm. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 10**

Asprucci, Antonio. Design for a Loggia on Pillars and Columns: Section and Side Elevation 2021.M.12-26

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite, pen and black ink, and pink, brown and gray washes ; sheet 24.2 x 45.7 cm

flatfile 10**

Design for a Loggia on Tuscan Pillars and Columns, 2021.M.12-27

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : pen and black ink, wash, and graphite ; sheet 33.4 x 41.7 cm. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 10**

Asprucci, Antonio. Design for a Mantelpiece 2021.M.12-28

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite, pen and black ink, and wash ; sheet 37.6 x 26.4 cm. Includes a scale in palmi (Roman).

flatfile 11**

Asprucci, Antonio. Design for a Mantelpiece 2021.M.12-29

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite ; sheet 28.7 x 43.5 cm. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM. On verso: drawing of a fireplace.

flatfile 12**

Asprucci Workshop. Two Designs for a Monumental Entrance 2021.M.12-30

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite, pen and brown ink, and gray wash ; sheet 48.1 x 26 cm

flatfile 12**

Asprucci Workshop. Design for a Gate between Supporting Pillars and Retaining Walls: Elevation and Plan 2021.M.12-31

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite, pen and ink, and gray wash ; sheet 38.9 x 25.6 cm. Inscribed at lower left: Asprucci. Collector's stamp at lower right: AM.

flatfile 12**

Asprucci Workshop. Design for a Gate between Supporting Pillars and Retaining Walls: Elevation and Plan 2021.M.12-32

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite, pen and brown ink, and brown wash ; sheet 38.6 x 25.5 cm. Inscribed at lower left: Asprucci. Collector's stamp at lower right: AM.

flatfile 12**

Piante del granaro (Survey of the Borghese Granary at Pratica di Mare: Plans and Section) 2021.M.12-33

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : pen and brown ink and watercolor ; sheet 46.1 x 32 cm. Attribution of the drawing unidentified. Inscribed at top center: Piante del Granaro acquistato dal Sig.re D.Marco Antonio Borghese nella Terra di Pratica di Casa Sacchetti. Inscribed in the drawing: Pianta Superiore - Piano Terreno. Inscribed at lower center: Faccciata verso strada / Scala di P.mi cento romani.

flatfile 12**

Asprucci Workshop. Design for a Fountain in the City 2021.M.12-34

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : black wash and graphite ; sheet 22.3 x 37.1 cm. Inscribed at lower right in graphite: 1786 Mario Asprucci. Collector's stamp at upper left: AM.

flatfile 13**

Recto: One of the Aedicules in the Egyptian Room, Casino Nobile; Verso: Design for an Altar or Doorway: Elevation 2021.M.12-35

Scope and Contents

Recto: 1 architectural drawing : graphite and pen and brown ink ; sheet 37 x 25.8 cm. Possible attribution of drawing to Mario Asprucci. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM. Verso: 1 architectural drawing : graphite ; sheet 37 x 25.8 cm. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 14**

Asprucci, Antonio. Design for a New Layout of the Ground Floor of a Building 2021.M.12-36

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite ; sheet 38 x 61 cm. Inscribed at center: mezzo de portico. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 14**

Design for a Room Overlooking a Balcony 2021.M.12-37

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite and pen and black ink ; sheet 26.6 x 38.4 cm. Attribution of the drawing is unidentified. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 14**

Elevation of the Side of a Building with Two Turrets and Large Windows 2021.M.12-38

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite ; sheet 26 x 37.5 cm. Attribution of the drawing is unidentified. The design is possibly for a greenhouse. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 14**

Coro per i canonici (Design for the Choir-Stalls of a Church) 2021.M.12-39

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite ; sheet 37.6 x 24 cm. Attribution of drawing is unidentified. Inscribed at lower center: Coro per i Canonici. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.

flatfile 14**

Design for a Tomb Chapel: Section 2021.M.12-40

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite ; sheet 40.5 x 61.3 cm. Inscribed at lower center: Asprucci. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM. Pasquali dates the drawing from after the death of Mario Asprucci in 1804, concluding that the attribution on the sheet is erroneous, and suggests a possible attribution to Luigi Canina (1795-1856), architect of the Borghese from 1818. See Pasquali. Mario Asprucci (2018), page 98.

flatfile 14**

Designs for a Large U-shaped Building: Studies for the Elevation 2021.M.12-41

Scope and Contents

1 architectural drawing : graphite ; sheet 19.4 x 37.6 cm. Attribution of drawing is unidentified. Collector's stamp at lower left: AM.