The Porta Latina, Rome

Details

Robert Henry Cheney (1801-1866)
The Porta Latina, Rome
inscribed 'Porta Latina - Rome.' (lower right, on the mount) and further inscribed and dated 'Porta Latina Rome March 30 1838.' (on the reverse of the mount)
pencil, watercolour with scratching out
7¾ x 14½ in. (19.7 x 37 cm.)

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Lot Essay

The Aurelian Wall was built in the 3rd Century as a defensive barrier around Rome. Stretching over 12 kilometres, the wall was originally built by the Emperor Aurelius, but over the centuries it was extended by other Emperors.

The Porta Latina is a gate in the Aurelian wall through which passed the Via Latina. In this watercolour, we can clearly see the single arch of irregular blocks of travertine with its distinctive row of five windows turrets above. Most of the structure dates from the period of the Emperor Honorius (384-423 A.D.).

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