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The Allure of Rome – Maarten van Heemskerck Draws the City

Artistic studies in Rome

Maarten van Heemskerck, a Dutch painter and draughtsman of the 16th century, travelled to Rome between 1532 and 1536, which had a lasting influence on his artistic career. This trip was part of a larger movement of Dutch artists who travelled to Rome in the 16th century to study the city’s ancient and modern masterpieces. Heemskerck’s drawings from this period are remarkable documents of his encounter with the art and architecture of the Eternal City. His sketchbook not only provides an authentic insight into the city of Rome and its sights, but also into the working methods and creative process of a Renaissance artist.

A comprehensive sketchbook

Heemskerck’s “little book of drawings” is a comprehensive testimony to his technical virtuosity and attention to detail. Georg Josef Dietz, Antje Penz and Carsten Wintermann’s analyses of the material, technique and reconstruction of the book show how Heemskerck used different materials and techniques to record his impressions. From the use of different types of paper to the drawing tools, every detail sheds light on his working conditions. Studying these documents makes it possible to better understand how the drawings were created and to recognise their originality.

Roman networks and influences

During his time in Rome, Heemskerck was part of a network of artists, scholars and patrons who had a great influence on his work. In her article, the author Cecilia Mazzetti di Pietralata sheds light on the social and artistic relationships that Heemskerck maintained in Rome. These networks were not only important for artistic exchange, but also provided support and inspiration. Heemskerck’s contacts with artists such as Michelangelo and his participation in the artistic circles there enriched his work and contributed to the development of his unmistakable style. These influences are clearly recognisable in his Roman drawings, in which his own creativity is mixed with the influences of his contemporaries.

The return to Haarlem

After his return to Haarlem, Heemskerck processed the impressions he had gained in Rome in his paintings and graphic works. The authors Hans-Ulrich Kessler and Christien Melzer examine how Heemskerck’s experiences in Rome were reflected in his later works and influenced his artistic development. His prints in particular show a clear reference to the drawings he made in Rome. They served as models for numerous paintings and prints, with which he cemented his reputation as an important Renaissance artist in the years that followed. These works also contributed to the dissemination of ancient and modern Roman art in northern Europe and promoted cultural exchange between the regions.

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Further information

Further information on the book “The Allure of Rome – Maarten van Heemskerck Draws the City“ (Advertising) can be found on the Hirmer Verlag website.

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