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Ruins of an Ancient City

c. 1810–20
(British, 1789–1854)
England, 19th century
oil on paper, mounted on canvas
Framed: 118.5 x 142 x 8 cm (46 5/8 x 55 7/8 x 3 1/8 in.); Unframed: 95.6 x 118.6 cm (37 5/8 x 46 11/16 in.)
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund 1981.13
Location: not on view
Public Domain
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Description

The painting depicts an imagined scene of a ruined ancient city bathed in the nostalgic glow of twilight. The artist's detailed, almost archeological, interest in these Greek or Roman buildings is characteristic of neoclassicism, although the composition—which plunges suddenly from the foreground into a deep valley—and dramatic lighting are typical of Romantic painting.
Ruins of an Ancient City

Ruins of an Ancient City

c. 1810–20

John Martin

(British, 1789–1854)
England, 19th century

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