Artwork

Theater of Herodes Atticus

Theater of Herodes Atticus, by Themistocles von Eckenbrecher, ink, 1890
Theater of Herodes Atticus, by Themistocles von Eckenbrecher, ink, 1890

Theater of Herodes Atticus is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist Themistocles von Eckenbrecher. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Theater of Herodes Atticus is a drawing created in 1890 by Themistocles von Eckenbrecher, a German artist known for landscapes and marine scenes. The work combines pen and black ink, watercolor, and black chalk, with white highlights.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts the ancient Theater of Herodes Atticus, set into a rocky hillside. The scene includes a few trees and cows in the foreground, with a person approaching them, and emphasizes the theater's crumbling stone walls and arches.

Technique & Style

Eckenbrecher's use of mixed media creates a detailed, textured representation of the theater. The combination of realism and impressionistic techniques lends a sense of immediacy to the scene, while white highlights add brightness.

History & Provenance

Themistocles von Eckenbrecher was born in Athens and worked in the late 19th century, often focusing on landscapes and coastal scenes in a Romantic tradition.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Themistocles von Eckenbrecher

Artist

Themistocles von Eckenbrecher

Karl Paul Themistokles von Eckenbrecher (17 November 1842, Athens – 4 December 1921, Goslar) was a German landscape and marine painter, in the late Romantic style.

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