The Work and its History

A Glimpse into 18th-Century Discoveries of Roman Art 

The Villa Negroni engravings offer a unique glimpse into ancient Roman art through a series of architectural prints capturing the intricate frescoes discovered at the villa, an ancient site believed to date back to the 2nd century CE. Excavated in 1777, the Villa Negroni became the first ancient villa unearthed outside of Pompeii and was renowned for its well-preserved frescoes depicting mythological scenes and Roman life. These rare prints are currently on display at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery in Ealing, West London, inviting visitors to explore this extraordinary intersection of art and archaeology. 

Each print in this series presents a distinct façade of the villa, capturing the elegance of ancient Roman design. The etchings, created by Italian engraver Angelo Campanella, are based on original designs by the German painter Anton Raphael Mengs, a pioneering figure of Neoclassicism. Following Mengs’s death, his brother-in-law, Austrian portraitist Anton von Maron, continued the project. 

Soane’s Acquisition and His Grand Tour

The Villa Negroni engravings reflect Soane’s passion for classical antiquities—a fascination ignited by his Grand Tour, an essential journey for British architects of the 18th century. This expedition allowed Soane to experience first-hand the marvels of ancient architecture, profoundly shaping his architectural approach. 

In 1777, Soane arrived in Rome as the Villa Negroni excavations were underway. Though he may not have visited the villa, he was likely aware of the excitement surrounding its discovery. The villa’s grand arches, domed ceilings, and rich colour schemes left an indelible impression on Soane, inspiring elements in his designs, a tribute to the ideals of antiquity that Soane encountered during his travels. Ultimately, Soane’s Grand Tour brought the grandeur of Roman artistry into Soane’s own world, allowing him to draw on these classical elements in his architectural projects.  

How Pitzhanger Acquired the Villa Negroni Prints 

Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery proudly houses ten hand-coloured gouache engravings from the 18th-century Villa Negroni series. This collection, preserved alongside those at institutions like Sir John Soane’s Museum, the British Museum, and the Royal Collection Trust, adds invaluable historical depth to the gallery’s offerings. Pitzhanger regularly rotates the display of the ten engravings in the library of Pitzhanger Manor, inviting visitors to return and experience different prints up close over time.