Les édifices antiques de Rome
Dessinées et mesurés très exactement sur les lieux
Par feu M. Desgodez
Architecte du rois
The title of the Book shows that the book is about roman buildings in Rome. The book contains drawings and measurements of antique buildings. It’s probably made for architects/builders of a raised social status but also normal people who could afford a book at the time when it was printed. The list of contents lists all the different treated buildings of the book that also structure the book into chapters. The illustrations form a very important part of the book, they reach from very detailed and technical plans to beautifully drawn sections and views that can be understood by a large public. Also details like the capitals are precisely measured and drawn. The book is rather big, the paper sheet probably folded one time. It gives the book a great importance and a high price. The book is probably handled carefully and used in a private library rather than on the building site, because of it’s high value. The book is written by M. Desgodez which is a royal architect. He probably seeks to promote himself as an architect and legitimate his buildings with antique buildings. Also the connection with the antiquity is very useful for the king, because antique buildings are associated with the roman empire, which stands for great power, a developed infrastructure and commerce. It is thus very useful to be associated with the antique emperors, which is achieved by imitating the antique building style. It gives the king great legitimacy.
20-729-588 Book 159