Anon. Roman Forum, Rome after Samuel Prout

An original c.1832 watercolour painting Roman Forum, Rome after Samuel Prout.

An exquisite miniature view at the Forum in Rome. Beautifully hand-painted in watercolour, with no discernible underdrawing, this tiny painting by an unknown hand displays remarkable skill.

This watercolour is after a larger work by Samuel Prout (1783–1852) which was reproduced as an engraved plate in 'The Tourist in Italy' by Thomas Roscoe, published in 1831. Prout was a master of watercolour architectural painting, Painter in Water-Colours in Ordinary to King George IV and, later, to Queen Victoria. His picturesque topographical drawings found huge influence as lithographic reproductions in the various illustrated travel books that had become so popular.

The ancient ruins depicted in Prout's view—the Temple of Concord, the three pillars of the Temple of Jupiter Stator, the Column of Phocas and the Arch of Septimius Severus— are celebrated in Roscoe's 'The Tourist in Italy' for how they excite the imagination and evoke recollections of youth: 'I can neither forget nor express the strong emotions which agitated my mind as I first approached and entered the Eternity City. After a sleepless night, I trod, with a lofty step, the ruins of the Forum. Each memorable spot—where Romulus stood, or Tully spoke, or Caesar fell, was at once present to my eye; and several days of intoxication were lost or enjoyed before I could descend to a cool and minute investigation.'

On paper laid down on backing paper. Please note the small size of this artwork. One of a set of six miniatures that we have for sale.