John Sell Cotman

P & D Colnaghi, London where bought by Sir David Scott, May 1960, for 22 guineas

SHEET The sheet has been taped to the mount along the upper edge. The edges have bent inwards slightly. There are scattered spots of surface dirt throughout and some light discolouration to the sheet overall. FRAME Held in a simple wooden frame; under glass.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Temple of Vesta stands close to the banks of the Tiber in Rome. Built in the late 2nd century B.C., it was designed by Hermodoros of Salamis. The temple was the first marble building in Rome and was dedicated to Vesta, the Roman Goddess of the hearth-fire and guardian of women. 

Italian subjects feature rarely in Cotman's oeuvre.  He never visited the country, his only journies abroad being to Normandy in 1817, 1818 and 1820. He was, however, greatly inspired by the work of the 18th century Italian printmaker, Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778), and was fascinated by antiquarian topography. Between 1810 and 1822 Cotman produced seven antiquarian publications including Miscellaneous Etchings (1810-11), Architectural Antiquities of Norfolk (1812-18) and Antiquities of Normandy (1819-22). Another example of Cotman inspired by classical subject matter can be seen in a drawing and subsequent oil painting entitled The Judgement of Midas, in the Castle Museum, Norwich (Adele M. Holcomb, John Sell Cotman, 1978, pl. 38-39, p. 62-63).