Classical Landscape with Boys Bathing

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Classical Landscape with Boys Bathing
Classical Landscape with Boys Bathing
Classical Landscape with Boys Bathing
Leeds Museums and Galleries (Leeds Art Gallery) U.K. / The Bridgeman Art Library
title=Credit line
Artist
Ascribed to Wilson
Title
Classical Landscape with Boys Bathing
Date
Undated
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
Metric: 88.9 x 116.9 cm
Imperial: 35 x 46 in.
Accession Number
LEEAG.PA.1913.0251
Wilson Online Reference
P116D
Description
Before a calm wide river dominated by a domed ancient ruin three bathers are embarking on or returning from a swim while a cow and sheep are seen below on the right. Further back on the right bank the ruin, a tower and other buildings are set among woods on the cliffs. Beyond in the left distance are a hill-town and mountains. The sky and clouds are suffused with the golden rays of the sun.
Provenance
Henry Barran, J.P. (1856-1942), Shadwell Grange, Moor Allerton, Leeds; presented to Leeds City Council, 1913
Versions
See 'Links' tab
Related Works by Other Artists
J.M.W. Turner, watercolour (T.B. XXXIII-I, Tate, London)
Critical commentary
One of numerous idealised landscapes by or after Wilson, based on the scenery he had observed in Italy in the 1750s. The domed ruin in the centre is derived from a building just outside Rome, known in the 18th century as the Temple of Minerva Medica. The bathers in the foreground, with their overtones of classical sculpture, likewise suggest Antiquity. In contrast to those in the other versions, however, both naked figures here seem to be female.
Bibliography
WGC 1953, p. 213, pl. 99b (version 2)
Updated by Compiler
2021-09-03 00:00:00