A Corner of the Colosseum

1820

Friedrich Olivier

Associated Names
Friedrich Olivier

Artist, German, 1791 - 1859

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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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

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.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1996

  • C.G. Boerner Inc. Neue Lagerliste. New York, 1996: no. 32.

1999

  • C.G. Boerner Inc. Neue Lagerliste 111. New York, 1999: no. 15.

Inscriptions

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 (?)

Wikidata ID

Q64570859

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