Ruins of a Roman Bath or Reservoir

A painted view through the tunnel-like vaults of a ruined Roman structure, its arches receding toward a distant glimpse of light. Dense green trees and ivy spill over the brick-and-stone masonry, while a blue sky with clouds shows above. The loose, warm brushwork and dark tones focus attention on the depth of the vaults.

Look closer: A small figure or shape can be seen faintly in the far distance under the arches.

Artist

Louis Gauffier

Date

n.d.

Medium

Oil on paper, laid down on canvas

Source

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Size

2672 × 3763 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harry G. Sperling Fund, 1978