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Lot Essay
Whilst in Athens Cromek noted in his diary that he was 'delighted by everything I saw at Athens: the colour of the buildings being much richer, and less dark that that of the ruins in Rome. As specimens of architecture, they are universally considered perfect. I certainly worked very hard when able, and I am astonished at the number of sketches, large and small which I made in the course of a fortnight or very little more' (T. Cromek, Reminiscences at Home and Abroad 1812-1855). Cromek set sail for Corfu in July 1834 and reached Athens that August, he noted in his journal (Op.cit.) 'During the mornings I was engaged in drawing the Temple of Jupiter Olympius, the Erectheion, etc'. He returned to Athens again in 1844.
Another watercolour of this subject, but from a different view point was formerly in the collection of Randall Davies.
The present watercolour is particularly fascinating as it illustrates the Erectheion before its restoration between 1977 and 1988.
Another watercolour of this subject, but from a different view point was formerly in the collection of Randall Davies.
The present watercolour is particularly fascinating as it illustrates the Erectheion before its restoration between 1977 and 1988.