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William Walcot

1874 – 1943

The Frigidarium of the Baths of Caracalla by William Walcot
 

The Frigidarium of the Baths of Caracalla   1919

  Original etching with drypoint and aquatint.
Signed in pencil.
Ref: Dickins 58 (and pp.35-37)
S 633 x 806 mm; P & I 466 x 598 mm
SOLD
 
Excellent impression. Signed proof from the only edition of 50 impressions.

The Frigidarium of the Baths of Caracalla is one of the best known of William Walcot’s large-scale etchings. In marked contrast with the approach which he took for the majority of his etchings re-creating the world of ancient Rome, William Walcot went to some considerable lengths to ensure the architectural accuracy of this particular depiction of the Frigidarium, or cold bath, of the Baths of Caracalla. This is perhaps because this particular Roman building is comparatively well known in its design and is chronicled in various writings from the date of its construction in around 211 A.D.

In characteristic fashion, William Walcot has not merely re-constructed the architecture of ancient Rome in this etching, but has shown the living character of its purpose, depicting the baths peopled with bathers in the heyday of the Roman Empire.

On heavy wove paper with margins. Sheet time toned verso, one or two unobtrusive repaired scratches, otherwise good condition.