Bridge and Tower, after Richard Wilson, circa 1820

According to the museum, “bridge and tower, after richard wilson”. However, if we consider the so-called bridge just some roman ruins, the so-called tower can be identified with the thermal building known as the “temple of venus” on the coast of the bay of baiae, which in turn allows to read the artist's inscriptions as “temple of [venus] | bay of [baiae]”. A painting by william marlow (1740–1813) shows the very same ruins from the same angle (image). In general, the “temple of venus” has been a first-rate motive drawn, painted, and engraved by numerous artists since ca. 1600. Object Type: drawing. Date: circa 1820. Dimensions: height: 105 mm (4.13 in); width: 165 mm (6.49 in). Medium: graphite, paper. Collection: Yale Center for British Art. John Sell Cotman - Bridge and Tower, after Richard Wilson - Google Art Project