NMW A 5201

A ruined ancient temple on the banks of a stream at sunset, with a man and two children together with two hounds reflected in the water. To the right are large rocks and trees. A serpentine path traversed by two small figures leads towards a row of trees in the left distance. Further away in the centre are ancient buildings and mountains.

Presented by J. Pyke Thompson 1892

 

 

 

 

E39 Joseph Farington after Wilson, Twelve Etchings of Views in Italy - In the Strada Nomentana, 1776, Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection, New Haven (B1977.14.21011(h)) and other impressions
E72/23 Thomas Hastings after Wilson, View on the Strada Nomentana in Italy, The British Museum (1854,0708.80) and other impressions

 

Wilson first drew this structure in his Italian Sketchbook of 1752 (Victoria & Albert Museum, London) and later included it in several other paintings, for example P68 Classical Landscape with Venus, Adonis and Cupids, Victoria & Albert Museum. However it is doubtful whether the subject was here intended to do more than signify a generalised image of Roman imperial greatness in decay.

Wright 1824, p. 272 (a version); WGC, p. 210, pl. 96b (version 3)

The Via Nomentana runs north east from Rome to Nomentum (Mentana), passing near the Alban Hills

Kate Lowry has noted: Simple weave linen, lined onto a very fine weave linen which is coated with a reddish oil film at reverse. Animal glue lining adhesive. X-ray examination shows that all the original turnovers, except the top edge, which is cut, have been incorporated into the present image at the face of stretcher. Pine stretcher dates from relining. Commercially-prepared oil ground; a double layer of chalk and lead white. Clear underdrawing visible in IR image.