Artwork

Terme di Caracalla, Roma

Terme di Caracalla, Roma, by Marietta Minnigerode Andrews, graphite, 1892
Terme di Caracalla, Roma, by Marietta Minnigerode Andrews, graphite, 1892

Terme di Caracalla, Roma is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Marietta Minnigerode Andrews. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

This painting shows a loose bouquet of flowers—bright red poppies, tiny purple blooms, and a few yellow ones—all painted in quick, soft brushstrokes.

This painting shows a loose bouquet of flowers—bright red poppies, tiny purple blooms, and a few yellow ones—all painted in quick, soft brushstrokes. The leaves are green but not too dark, and the stems look slightly tangled. In the corner, there’s a tiny sketch of an American flag and some handwritten words.

The artist signed it "Terme di Caracalla, Roma" and dated it July 4, 1892, which might mean she painted these flowers while visiting Rome. The colors feel fresh but not polished, like she worked fast.

If you like this style, look up watercolor to see how artists use thin layers of paint to create light and shadow.

Overview

Terme di Caracalla, Roma is a watercolor drawing created by Marietta Minnigerode Andrews in 1892. The work is executed in watercolor over graphite on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a loose bouquet of flowers, including red poppies, purple and yellow blooms, and green leaves. A small American flag and handwritten text are visible in one corner, suggesting a connection to the artist's experience abroad.

Technique & Style

The flowers are rendered in quick, soft brushstrokes, with a focus on capturing freshness rather than precision. The watercolor technique allows for subtle layering and texture, contributing to the overall sense of spontaneity.

History & Provenance

The work is dated July 4, 1892, and titled after the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, indicating that it was created during the artist's visit to the city.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.