Temple of Minerva Medica

Attributed Jacob More (Edinburgh, Scotland, c.1740 - 1793)

Datec. 1770

Mediumwatercolour on paper

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsSight Size: Height: 49.3 cm, Width: 37 cm
Frame: Height: 77.1 cm, Width: 60.8 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1977 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions and the Friends of Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG000004

Keywords

About MeBorn in Edinburgh in 1740, Jacob More trained under the painter Robert Norie. He settled in Rome in 1773 where he lived until his death in 1793. In Italy More acquired a reputation as a Claudian landscapist and came in contact with several foreign artists who were on the Grand Tour. Artists who visited Italy were particularly fascinated by the ancient Greek and Roman classical ruins and often used them as subjects for their paintings.

This watercolour depicts the temple of Minerva Medica, a pavilion in the Licinian Gardens in Rome, built during the early fourth century. The monumental effect of the temple is emphasised by its juxstaposition with the small figures seated in the foreground to the right and in the left background, which also serve to add a touch of vitality to the composition. The vault of the building, which is clearly visible here, collapsed in the 19th century.