The Temple of Vesta in Tivoli
Bode Museum
The focal point of the painting is the temple of Vesta in Tivoli, situated on a high, rocky plateau. The temple is partially in ruins, with sections of its dome and columns still standing.
The scene is framed by a variety of natural elements. On the right, a powerful waterfall cascades down a cliff face, while on the left, a lush forest with towering trees adds a sense of grandeur. The background shows distant mountains and a serene valley.
In the foreground, a group of figures is gathered in a clearing. They are dressed in classical or pastoral attire, and their poses suggest they are dancing or playing music, creating a tranquil and idyllic mood. A few small figures can also be seen near the temple ruin.
The painting has a luminous quality, with a sky of soft blue and white clouds. The light appears to be setting, casting a gentle glow over the landscape and highlighting the central ruins.
The ruins that were for centuries believed to be the villa of the Roman statesman Gaius Maecenas are actually the remains of the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor (Santuario di Ercole Vincitore), an ancient Roman temple complex dedicated to the Roman version of the Greek hero Hercules. The mistake arose from the fame of Maecenas, a wealthy patron of the arts and a close advisor to Emperor Augustus, who was known to have had a magnificent villa in the Tivoli area.
English Translation:
Charles François de Lacroix Paris or Marseilles, 1720-1782 Berlin
The Temple of Vesta in Tivoli
The Temple of Vesta at Tivoli
1764
canvas
Acquired in 1973
Picture Gallery | Cat. 73.04
Original Text:
France - 18th Century
Charles François de Lacroix Paris oder Marseille, 1720-1782 Berlin
Der Vestatempel in Tivoli
The Temple of Vesta in Tivoli
1764
Leinwand
Erworben 1973
Gemäldegalerie | Kat. 73.04
This is located in Bode Museum.