Painting “The Temple of Tivoli”, Italy – Late 19th century

In the 19th century, the rediscovery of Italian ruins fueled the imagination of Romantic painters. Tivoli, with its semicircular Temple of the Sibyl perched on a limestone spur, became a favorite place to capture the alliance of the ancient and the picturesque. This pastoral oil on canvas depicts it with its Corinthian columns, standing atop a rocky mound surrounded by ruins. Around it, the wild vegetation of cypress trees and bushes creates a striking contrast between the monumental stone and the lush nature. At the center of the scene, two people stand out: a woman in a red dress riding a small horse is talking to a shepherd holding a staff and accompanied by his dog. Several animals (sheep, goats, cows) advance calmly, evoking rural tranquility. In the shade of the trees, a man rests, lying on the ground. The sky, animated by pink and blue clouds, suggests the beginning of sunset. The palette combines: Ochres and umbers for the rock and the temple. Deep greens for the surrounding vegetation. Luminous pastels for the sky, emphasizing the poetic dimension of the scene. This painting celebrates the encounter between ancient grandeur and pastoral simplicity. It embodies the romantic attraction to ruins as a symbol of the passage of time. This canvas is enhanced by a magnificent molded frame gilded with fine gold, depicting a garland of pearls, shells at the corners, and flowers. ******** Period: Late 19th century. Very good condition. Some small chips. Delivery upon request in France and internationally. Dimensions: Width: 61 cm. Height: 53 cm. Depth: 7 cm. Reference: 090725.3.