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View of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli and the Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome
Jakob Alt (German, 1789–1872)
1835
Medium/Technique
Watercolor on paper
Dimensions
22.9 x 19.1 cm (9 x 7 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of John Goelet
Accession Number1982.447
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsWatercolors
DescriptionJakob Alt, patriarch of the family of Viennese landscape artists, travelled to Rome with his son Rudolf in 1835. It was during the period of time when both artists were commissoned by Emperor Ferdinand I to produce watercolors for a view box, a project that perhaps influenced the itinerary to central Italy. Jakob's exquisite miniaturistic watercolor records with precision the textures and colors of building materials at this important site which he peopled with contemporary citizens of Rome. The picture expresses his joyous response to the clear, warm light of the Eternal city.
InscriptionsLower right corner, pen: J. Alt/1835.
ProvenanceBy 1982, John Goelet, New York; 1982, gift of Goelet to the MFA. (Accession Date: September 15, 1982)