Oil on canvas, middle to late 18th century. A large and impressive "Capriccio" or architectural fantasy painting, depicting splendid classical ruins, along with several figures in the foreground, classically dressed and interacting. Ruins include the Temple of Saturn, Arch of Constantine, Temple of Vesta, Arch of Drusus, the Colosseum, Temple of Castor and Pollux, Basilica of Maxentius, the Apollo Belvedere and the Column of Trajan. A lengthy "chiseled" inscription is evident to the base of a stone sculpture, but sadly, is illegible.

An ostensible original subject of the same scene was known to have been executed by Giovanni Panini (Italian, 1691-1765), and was at one time in the "Collection of Humphrey Edwin, esq.", as noted by the engraving by Johann Sebastian Muller (1715-1885). The whereabouts of this particular Panini and the source image of Muller's engraving are currently unknown, although the Late Edwin's entire collection of pictures were sold off by a Mr. Langford, London, in 1750.

The subject of the work offered here would have counted among Panini's busiest and grandest Capriccio subjects. Included in the scene are numerous sculptures, including the vase at Villa Borghese, the Colosseum, the Column of Trajan, a pyramid, and a sarcophagus from the Temple of Bacchus, and numerous other sculptural and architectural specimens that were so popularly depicted in 18th century fantasy works such as this.

Notably, there is a stamping on the reverse stretcher from a "G. Morrill, Liner". George Morrill (English, c. 1812-1865) arose to prominence as a "picture liner" and he took many commissions in the mid-19th century to provide structural work of paintings in prominent collections, including the National Gallery and the Royal Pictures. The work is otherwise not inscribed.

38" ht. x 52.5" wd. (sight).

From the collection of prominent art historian and lecturer, Robert Allen, New York. Many items featured in "Architectural Digest: The Collectors" publication.

Relined, some modest inpainting, and previously cleaned.