The Arch of Constantine, Rome
Rome, the mid-1640s
Oil on canvas
126.3 x 175.2 cm
The Roman Arch of Constantine (315 AD) is viewed from near the Colosseum, with the modern facade of Saint Gregory the Great seen in the centre.
The great monument has been stripped of its grandeur, acting as a gateway to the countryside beyond for various travellers, including a shepherd and his flock. Only the two artists, who are shown sketching, are aware of the ruin’s significance.
The work is a collaboration between the Flemish painter of genre subjects, Jan Miel, who executed the figures and another artist, perhaps Alessandro Salucci, who did the architecture.
Purchased 1969 (No.69.3)
