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The image shows an architectural sketch of ancient Roman arches. The composition leads the eye from the closest arches on the right to those further away. The sketch is done in warm earth tones, primarily browns and tans. The horizon is not visible, as the focus is on the upward angles of the structure where the ruins rise and recede into the distance. The arches are detailed with fine brushstrokes and washes of ink, showcasing textures of stone and climbing plants. Additional structures are visible in the distance, suggesting the vastness of the architectural remains. The image conveys a harmony between the enduring stone and encroaching vegetation.
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The image shows an architectural sketch of ancient Roman arches. The composition leads the eye from the closest arches on the right to those further away. The sketch is done in warm earth tones, primarily browns and tans. The horizon is not visible, as the focus is on the upward angles of the structure where the ruins rise and recede into the distance. The arches are detailed with fine brushstrokes and washes of ink, showcasing textures of stone and climbing plants. Additional structures are visible in the distance, suggesting the vastness of the architectural remains. The image conveys a harmony between the enduring stone and encroaching vegetation.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

A Corner of the Colosseum

Friedrich Olivier

Date
1820
Medium
pen and brown ink and brown wash over graphite on wove paper
Dimensions
overall: 18.2 x 24.9 cm (7 3/16 x 9 13/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
2000.65.5
Credit line
Gift of The Very Reverend and Mrs. Charles U. Harris
Time span
1801 to 1825
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Italy
  • architecture
  • German
  • Ruins
  • landscape
  • Rome
  • Nazarenes
Provenance

Private collection, Germany; Berlin art market; (sale, Kunsthaus Lempertz, Cologne, 20 May 1995, no. 1235, pl. XXXIX); (C.G. Boerner Inc., New York); purchased 2000 by NGA.

Inscription

by the artist, lower left in brown ink: Rom / Sonntags den 27sten Februar 1820. / Prdgt. EIW NAM EID LEBIB. / UZ NESEL EBAH. / TXET. Vom Cananäischen Weibe. / Ein Stück des Collisseums. (Rome, Sunday the 27th February. The text read out of the Bible was the Canaanite Woman. A piece of the Colosseum.) by the artist, lower left in graphite: Sonntag den 27 Prgt (remainder undeciphered); by later hand, lower left verso in graphite: Fol. VICX (?)

NGA object ID 112091. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.