Artwork

View of the Cloister of San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome

View of the Cloister of San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome, by Jakob Alt, 1836
View of the Cloister of San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome, by Jakob Alt, 1836

View of the Cloister of San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Jakob Alt. It dates from 1836 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

View of the Cloister of San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome, a drawing by Jakob Alt from 1836, is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. It depicts a serene cloister scene characterized by rounded arches, slender columns, and a predominantly muted color palette of browns and grays.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a tranquil cloister courtyard, paved with brick and surrounded by stone walls. The composition conveys a sense of peace and calm, with the old, weathered building in the background adding a layer of historical depth to the serene atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Alt employed a muted color scheme emphasizing earth tones, which contributes to the overall serenity of the scene. The drawing's style aligns with the Romantic emphasis on capturing the emotional and aesthetic qualities of architectural settings.

History & Provenance

Created in 1836 by Jakob Alt, the drawing is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, though specific details of its provenance before acquisition are not provided here.

Context

This work reflects the Romantic movement's interest in historical and architectural subjects, often seeking to evoke emotions through the depiction of serene, somewhat neglected, or ancient environments.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jakob Alt

Artist

Jakob Alt

Jakob Alt was a German painter and lithographer.

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