Framed Oil On Canvas - Ruins Of The Forum In Rome, 19th Century

Rare and large view of the ruins of the Roman Forum in Rome.
Framed oil on canvas, unsigned.
Italian or French work from the first half of the 19th century, probably produced as part of the Grand Tour.
Dimensions of canvas alone: 45.5x55 cm.
Dimensions including frame: 58.8x79 cm.
(Good overall condition, original canvas, some wear to right, canvas slightly relaxed).


Superb original view of the ruins of the Roman Forum in Rome close to other achievements by Grand Tour artists of the 18th and 19th centuries.
The scene depicts one of the most famous views of Rome with the ruins of the Temple of Castor and Pollux and the Arch of Septimius Severus in the foreground.
Featuring figures in traditional Roman country costume, accompanied by their livestock and an oxcart, the ancient ruins underline the reuse of this area, which before the excavations was known as the "Campo Vaccino" or "cow field".
In the background, other emblematic monuments can be seen, including the Capitoline Senatorial Palace and the Santi Luca e Marina church.

Oil paintings of views of the Roman Forum, particularly of this size, are rare on the market. This is a precious testimony to the state of the forum at this period.