Temple of Vesta at Tivoli 

Hercules Brabazon Brabazon made this watercolor painting of the Temple of Vesta at Tivoli sometime in the late 19th century. Brabazon belonged to a generation of artists who looked to watercolor to capture impressions of light and atmosphere in the landscape. Here, the ancient Roman temple becomes a picturesque ruin, integrated into the everyday life of the Italian countryside. Washing hangs on a line next to the ancient ruin. For the British, a ruin suggested the passage of time and the transience of human achievement. During this period, Italy became a popular destination for wealthy British citizens, and the images of ruins became a popular souvenir and sign of a well-rounded education. Historical understanding allows us to see the layers of meaning in this image. Research into the Grand Tour, tourism, and the market for landscape paintings helps us to understand the popularity and significance of such views during this time. The meaning of a painting is always contingent on these kinds of historical contexts.