Ruins of an Ancient City, John Martin, 1810

The painting depicts an imagined scene of a ruined ancient city bathed in the nostalgic glow of twilight. The artist's detailed, almost archeological, interest in these greek or roman buildings is characteristic of neoclassicism, although the composition---which plunges suddenly from the foreground into a deep valley---and dramatic lighting are typical of romantic painting. Date: 1810. Place of creation: England, 19th century. Dimensions: Framed: 118.5 x 142 x 8 cm (46 5/8 x 55 7/8 x 3 1/8 in.); Unframed: 95.6 x 118.6 cm (37 5/8 x 46 11/16 in.). Medium: canvas, oil on paper. Collection: Cleveland Museum of Art. John Martin - Ruins of an Ancient City - Cleveland Art Museum