A Courtyard in Rome
- Artist: Claus Anton Kølle
- Date: 1860s
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is "A Courtyard in Rome" painted by Claus Anton Kølle. It's a beautiful example of mid-19th century European art. The scene depicted here is typical of the era, showing a serene and peaceful atmosphere. You can almost feel the warmth of the sun on your skin as you gaze down into this Roman courtyard.
Notice how the artist has used a fir tree to frame the view, its branches stretching up towards the sky. And if you look closely, you'll see a conservatory dome peeking out from beneath the tree's foliage. The contrast between the dark green leaves and the bright orange hues of the fruit is really striking.
The windows on either side are open, allowing a gentle breeze to rustle through. The sunlight casts long shadows across the courtyard, adding depth and texture to the scene. It's a lovely example of how Kølle uses light to bring his paintings to life.
See it in person
A Courtyard in Rome hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
