The image shows a view from below of ancient ruins, with three tall columns supporting a partial structure. The horizon is visible with trees and bushes meeting the sky. The sun casts shadows on the columns and steps. A figure in traditional attire sits on the steps. The brushstrokes are detailed, depicting the stone and foliage textures. The color palette is warm with browns and greens, contrasting with a soft blue sky. The scene conveys a serene atmosphere with a harmonious balance between natural and man-made elements.
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The image shows a view from below of ancient ruins, with three tall columns supporting a partial structure. The horizon is visible with trees and bushes meeting the sky. The sun casts shadows on the columns and steps. A figure in traditional attire sits on the steps. The brushstrokes are detailed, depicting the stone and foliage textures. The color palette is warm with browns and greens, contrasting with a soft blue sky. The scene conveys a serene atmosphere with a harmonious balance between natural and man-made elements.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

A Temple Ruin in Agrigento

Carl Wilhelm Götzloff

Date
c. 1825
Medium
watercolor with gouache on wove paper
Dimensions
sheet: 27.9 × 21.9 cm (11 × 8 5/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
2015.73.1
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1801 to 1825
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • exterior
  • architecture
Provenance

Private collection, NY; (Mia N. Weiner, Norfolk, CT); purchased 2015 by NGA.

Inscription

lower left in watercolor: Gotzloff; by later hand, upper center verso in graphite: Karl W. Gotzloff / Dresda 1799 - Napoli 1866; by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: Tempio di Castore è Pollux à Girgenti

NGA object ID 169380. 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.