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In the Forum, Rome by James Giles
In the Forum, Rome
In the Forum, Rome by James Giles
In the Forum, Rome by James Giles

In the Forum, Rome

Artist (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1801 - 1870)
Date1824
Mediumpencil and colour wash on paper
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 30.1 cm, Width: 21.8 cm
AcquisitionBequeathed in 1995 by Miss Mary B Herdman.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG010863
About MeThis watercolour exemplifies one of a number of on-the-spot sketching styles employed by James Giles on his Continental tour. It is a fairly resolved study in pencil and watercolour of the site of greatest importance to the Grand Tour.

Giles was fascinated by the bright, Italian light and the sketching processes of 'In the Forum' are designed to provide an impression of the lighting in front of him. The bright stone of the foreground column recedes sharply into shadow, while the nebulous treatment of the background buildings conveys a sense of the heat. The sketch, focussing on the ruins of an impermanent landscape made by man, rather than nature, also communicates a visual truth and spontaneity.


More About Me
Giles was fascinated by the bright light of Italy, here emphasised by the column's shadow, while the more ill-defined treatment of the background suggests the heat of the day