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The image depicts swirling lines and jagged shapes, suggesting dynamic movement. Elements resembling ancient architectural features, including columns and archways morphing into fantastical formations, are visible. There are hints of intricate foliage or ornate carvings on the left side, evoking spirals of decorative columns. Scattered pillars with textured surfaces could be interpreted as weathered ruins, towers, or relics in a mythical cityscape or mysterious cavern.
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The image depicts swirling lines and jagged shapes, suggesting dynamic movement. Elements resembling ancient architectural features, including columns and archways morphing into fantastical formations, are visible. There are hints of intricate foliage or ornate carvings on the left side, evoking spirals of decorative columns. Scattered pillars with textured surfaces could be interpreted as weathered ruins, towers, or relics in a mythical cityscape or mysterious cavern.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

A Fantastic Underground Temple (Aladdin's Cave?)

Robert Caney

Medium
pen and ink with watercolor and gouache over graphite on board
Dimensions
sheet: 25.1 x 40.6 cm (9 7/8 x 16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
2009.70.82
Credit line
Joseph F. McCrindle Collection
Time span
1551 to 1600
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Portfolio and series

Series
Set Designs for Drury Lane Theatre

Subjects and terms

  • interior
  • architecture
  • Temple
  • Rock
Provenance

probably Miss Dinah Caney (sale, Sotheby's, London, 29 June 1973, part of lot 299); (bought by Christopher Powney); Finchden Manor, Tenterden, Kent; Joseph F. McCrindle [1923-2008], New York, 1977; Joseph F. McCrindle Foundation, 2008; gift to NGA, 2009.

Inscription

by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: repair[?] / C 37; on old mount in graphite: 7 (encircled); farther to the right: Alladin; at right: 26.12.1874

NGA object ID 143778. 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.