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A drawing of an ancient Roman structure with a fountain and sculptures. The image features a large, pyramid-like mausoleum structure in the background. In the foreground, there is a sculpted fountain with a reclining figure and a lion's head from where water flows. A dog interacts with the water, while two women talk beside the fountain. Additional sculptural elements can be seen on the structure, including a human figure relief. Natural elements like shrubs and stones are present in the scene.
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A drawing of an ancient Roman structure with a fountain and sculptures. The image features a large, pyramid-like mausoleum structure in the background. In the foreground, there is a sculpted fountain with a reclining figure and a lion's head from where water flows. A dog interacts with the water, while two women talk beside the fountain. Additional sculptural elements can be seen on the structure, including a human figure relief. Natural elements like shrubs and stones are present in the scene.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

A Roman Capriccio with the Pyramid of Gaius Cestius

Hubert Robert

Date
1781 or later
Medium
pen and black ink, with brown and gray-brown wash over black chalk counterproof on laid paper
Dimensions
sheet: 36.8 x 28.9 cm (14 1/2 x 11 3/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
2009.70.199
Credit line
Joseph F. McCrindle Collection
Time span
1776 to 1800
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • architecture
  • Woman
  • Dog
  • Rococo
  • Water
  • Statue
Provenance

(P. & D. Colnaghi & Co. Ltd., London, by 1961); Joseph F. McCrindle [1923-2008], New York, 1961; Joseph F. McCrindle Foundation, 2008; gift to NGA, 2009.

Inscription

by artist, center right in pen and black ink within pyramid: IO M / C. VIT. SEXTIUS / VIR EPULONUS; dated in the counterproof (in reverse): 1781

NGA object ID 143838. 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.