The Colosseum, Rome with Figures in the Foreground

The Colosseum, Rome with Figures in the Foreground
The Colosseum, Rome with Figures in the Foreground
The Colosseum, Rome with Figures in the Foreground
Karen Taylor Fine Art
title=Credit line
Artist
Richard Wilson (1713/14-1782)
Title
The Colosseum, Rome with Figures in the Foreground
Date
1752-56
Medium
Black and white chalks and stump on laid paper
Dimensions
Metric: 262 x 400 mm
Imperial: 10 5/16 x 15 3/4 in.
Collection
No collection
Wilson Online Reference
D277A
Description
A view of the Colosseum, the left side in shadow, is framed by a large tree in the left foreground and a distant view of the Forum and Rome to the right. Two men in antique costume are walking in discussion towards the viewer in the centre foreground and three other less distinct figures appear to the right, by a section of fallen fluted columnn, a fragment of antique frieze and small ancient arches.
Provenance
With Karen Taylor Fine Art, London, 2021
Signature/inscription
Signed lower left on diagonal creeper: R [?] W
Labels
Modern label on backboard upper right, blue ink encircled: 94
Subject
The Colosseum (72-80 AD) is seen from the north-east, with the Arch of Constantine (312-15 AD) in the middle distance to its right and beyond, further to the right, the Palatine Hill. The direction of the light indicates that the time is evening.
Related Drawings
D205 A View of the Colosseum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Critical commentary
A worked up version of D277.
Condition/Conservation
Laid down on modern faun card. In sealed modern gilt frame and mount. Verso unseen. Dimensions framed: 508 x 634 mm (20 x 24 15/16 in.). Repaired small hole upper right. Faint brown spotting scattered across upper section.