The Temple of Minerva Medica

French 18th Century

Associated Names
The image shows ancient ruins, a partially standing brick structure covered with vegetation. Arched windows and decaying form are silhouetted against a sky with wispy clouds. The horizon is implied by the line where the earth meets the sky. The tones of the earth merge with the pastel blue sky. The brushstrokes are fluid, giving a sense of age and atmosphere. Rocky terrain with patches of grass and shrubs contrast with the ruins. Distant structures and trees are hinted at, all portrayed with a serene color palette and soft, misty outlines.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor with graphite on paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Frank Anderson Trapp

  • Dimensions

    overall: 18.5 x 25 cm (7 5/16 x 9 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2004.166.18


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Frank Anderson Trapp [1922-2005], Amherst, MA; gift to NGA, 2004.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower right verso in graphite: Temple a Minerva à Rom / WF[not deciphered]

Wikidata ID

Q64570792

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