A Fantastic Underground Temple (Aladdin's Cave?)

Robert Caney

Associated Names
Robert Caney

Artist, British, 1847 - 1911

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.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and ink with watercolor and gouache over graphite on board

  • Credit Line

    Joseph F. McCrindle Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 25.1 x 40.6 cm (9 7/8 x 16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2009.70.82

Artwork history & notes

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.

Associated Names

Bibliography

2012

  • Grasselli, Margaret M., and Arthur K. Wheelock, Jr., eds. The McCrindle Gift: A Distinguished Collection of Drawings and Watercolors. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art. Washington, 2012: 168 (color).

Inscriptions

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

Wikidata ID

Q64628867

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