Study of the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus
January 24, 1878
Medium
landscapes
Classification
landscapes
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gifted by a Private New Hampshire Collector, courtesy of Sullivan Goss - An American Gallery
Accession Number
2013-59-1
About this artwork
Study of grassy landscape with ruins of colonnade in mid-ground, looking to mountainous landscape, that is possibly separated by a body of water and shoreline. A small stand of dark, pyramidal trees is to the right of two single, free-standing columns. The columns are in the Corinthian order and likely once comprised the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Art Historical Context
Lockwood de Forest’s “Study of the Ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus,” dated January 24, 1878, captures a quiet moment amid ancient grandeur. The American artist depicts a grassy foreground opening onto two lone Corinthian columns, remnants of the once-magnificent temple. Beyond them, a distant mountain range rises, possibly separated by water, while a cluster of dark pyramidal trees adds depth and contrast to the sunlit scene. This landscape study reflects de Forest’s interest in classical sites during his travels. By focusing on the weathered columns standing against the natural backdrop...