
Read the visual description
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.