View of the Temple of Minerva Medica near Rome

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Drawing details

Artist: Formerly attributed to Leighton, Lord, Frederic (1830-1896), Baron of Stretton, P.R.A., painter and sculptor
Title: View of the Temple of Minerva Medica near Rome
Date: 1852-55
Media: Pencil and watercolour on white paper
Dimensions: 41.0 x 29.5 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0437 p.18
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower left 'Aussicht von St. Giovanni nach dem Temple der Minerva Medica' in pencil, which translates as "View from San Giovanni towards the Temple of Minerva Medica". Inscribed, lower right "Minerva Medica" in pencil, possibly in the artis

Interpretation

This temple took the name from the statue of Minerva with the snake, symbol of medicine, which was found here; but originally it was probably a construction remained from the Horti Liciniani, dating from the 4th century. The diameter of this decagon edifice is 25m, and its semi-spherical ceiling dropped down in 1828.

Description

Page from a sketchbook. View of a landscape showing the ruined temple of Minerva Medica, Lazio, Rome. The temple is at centre left with beyond it running across the walls. In the distance is range of hills. 

Provenance

Presented to Leighton House Museum by 1926