Who painted Rosetta Gate, Alexandria?

Rosetta Gate, Alexandria was painted by Agostino Aglio in 1802.

Where can I see Rosetta Gate, Alexandria?

Rosetta Gate, Alexandria is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Rosetta Gate, Alexandria?

Rosetta Gate, Alexandria is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Rosetta Gate, Alexandria

Agostino Aglio , 1802

Rosetta Gate, Alexandria is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist Agostino Aglio. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Rosetta Gate, Alexandria is a watercolour drawing created by Agostino Aglio in 1802, depicting a monumental arched gate in Alexandria, Egypt. The work features a stone gate with intricate carvings, approached by a small bridge where a solitary figure stands, gazing upwards. Executed in a range of colours, the piece emphasizes textural details against a plain background.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of the watercolour is the Rosetta Gate, a significant architectural landmark in Alexandria. The inclusion of a figure on the bridge, contemplating the gate, may suggest awe or historical curiosity, aligning with early 19th-century interests in antiquity and exotic landscapes.

Technique & Style

Aglio employed watercolour to capture the textures of the stone gate and its carvings. The use of a plain background to isolate the subject, combined with expressive colour to convey detail, reflects elements of the Romantic style, which emphasized emotion and the beauty of antiquity.

History & Provenance

Created during Agostino Aglio's Egyptian travels with William Wilkins (1801-1802), the watercolour was later acquired from Christopher Powney in October 1964 for £14.