Artwork

Tempio della Tosse

Tempio della Tosse, by Agostino Aglio, watercolor, 1800
Tempio della Tosse, by Agostino Aglio, watercolor, 1800

Tempio della Tosse is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist Agostino Aglio. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Tempio della Tosse is a watercolour painting depicting a serene landscape centered on an ancient, stone-built structure with a dome, set amidst trees, bushes, and hills under a cloudy sky.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a romanticized representation of a building near Tivoli, Italy, likely conveying a sense of antiquity and tranquility, characteristic of the Romantic emphasis on emotion and imagination.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolour, the painting features meticulous detail, particularly in architectural and botanical elements, with muted color palette and soft textures evoking a dreamy, ruinous ambiance.

History & Provenance

Designed by Agostino Aglio in 1800, the depicted structure's historical context influences the painting's nostalgic and romantic portrayal, though specific provenance details of the artwork itself are not provided.

Context

Emerging from the early 19th-century Romantic movement, this work aligns with the era's fascination with nature, antiquity, and expressive landscapes.

Artist & collection

Artist

Agostino Aglio

Agostino Aglio spent years sketching dusty streets and old walls on scraps of paper he carried everywhere.