Ruth Perkins Safford

American, 1897 - 1979

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This painting shows a large white urn on a pedestal, surrounded by tall black marble columns and white walls. Behind the columns is an open space containing a fountain with a sculpture in the center depicting a person standing on one leg and raising one arm up. Above the fountain is a tall, domed ceiling, and behind it the space continues onward towards another opening in the wall.
Ruth Perkins Safford, Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, 1950, watercolor, Paul Mellon Collection, 1967.22.1

Rotunda, National Gallery of Art

Ruth Perkins Safford · 1950 · watercolor ·  Accession ID  1967.22.1

The image shows an indoor courtyard with classic architecture. Tall columns frame the scene, leading to a central area with a small garden. The garden has green plants and yellow flowers, contrasting with the stone columns and flooring. A water fountain with figures on top is in the middle, with water flowing gently. The brushstrokes are deliberate, creating a serene atmosphere with a soft color palette of whites, greys, and greens. The setting is enclosed within architectural space without a visible horizon line.
Ruth Perkins Safford, West Court, National Gallery of Art, watercolor, Paul Mellon Collection, 1967.22.2

West Court, National Gallery of Art

Ruth Perkins Safford · · watercolor ·  Accession ID  1967.22.2