Anon. Sibyl's Temple, Tivoli after Samuel Prout

An original c.1832 watercolour painting Sibyl's Temple, Tivoli after Samuel Prout.

An exquisite miniature view at Tivoli, north-east of 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.

This view at Tivoli shows the ruined Roman temple which sits 'upon a rocky eminence' on the acropolis of the city, overlooking the falls of the Aniene. Roscoe's 'The Tourist in Italy' describes the disagreement which exists about the naming of this temple—now often referred to as the Temple of Vesta, but for which Roscoe uses the 'traditional name … the Temple of the Sibyl'. Opposite the temple are the famous 'Cascades' of Falls of Tivoli, described as 'the most noble sight in the world'.

On paper laid down on watermarked 'John Hall 1832' backing paper. Please note the small size of this artwork. One of a set of six miniatures that we have for sale.