Title
Roman Forum at Herculaneum
Object Type
Creator
Date
dated 1868
Description
An oil on canvas painting entitled “Roman Form at Herculaneum” (Italian, 1868) by Anatolio Scifoni (Italian, 1841-1884). The painting depicts a section of the Roman Forum at Herculaneum which was excavated by the Bourbon Monarchs of Naples in the 18th century. A well or cistern is surrounded by a mosaic floor and a scaffolding erected around the site can be seen at the top of the canvas with tourists visiting the site. The canvas is signed “A. Scifoni / ROMA / 1868” on the bottom right corner.
The seaside town of Herculaneum was coved in volcanic ash after the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. The unearthing of the site became less haphazard and more scientific when Italian archaeologist Guiseppe Fiorelli took over as director of excavations in 1869.
The seaside town of Herculaneum was coved in volcanic ash after the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. The unearthing of the site became less haphazard and more scientific when Italian archaeologist Guiseppe Fiorelli took over as director of excavations in 1869.
Cultural Origin
Italian
Medium
oil on canvas
Extent
27.5" x 33"
Collection
Source
Gift of Mr. Elisha Dyer, 1960.
Identifier
PSNC.10511
For more information about this item, please contact its owning institution.