Artwork
Sculpture at Persepolis, from Le Bruyn's Travels

Sculpture at Persepolis, from Le Bruyn's Travels is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Maria Denman. It dates from 1829 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Sculpture at Persepolis, from Le Bruyn's Travels is a lithograph created by Maria Denman in 1829. The print depicts a scene inspired by ancient Persian sculptures, as documented in Le Bruyn's Travels.
Subject & Meaning
The lithograph shows two robed figures walking together. One carries a distinctive pole with a round, flat top (resembling a sun shade) mounted on a wheel, while the other holds a small, unidentified object. The figures' attire and accessories suggest a representation of ancient cultural or daily life elements.
Technique & Style
The lithograph exhibits a simple, rough quality, characteristic of a quick sketch or a reproduction of a distant observation. The style implies a focus on capturing the essence of the subject rather than intricate detail.
History & Provenance
Created in 1829 by Maria Denman, this lithograph is based on illustrations found in Le Bruyn's Travels, indicating its roots in 18th-century travelogues that facilitated the dissemination of ancient Persian art in Europe.
Context
This work reflects the early 19th-century European interest in ancient Near Eastern cultures, facilitated by travel accounts like Le Bruyn's. It also touches on the development of lithography as a means to widely distribute artistic and archaeological representations.
Artist & collection



















