WITHOOS, Matthias
(b. 1627, Amersfoort, d. 1703, Hoorn)

Architectural Capriccio

-
Oil on canvas, 98 x 135 cm
Private collection

This architectural capriccio shows the Forum in Rome, with the Arch of Constantine and the Coliseum in the background. It combines elements of Roman architecture with highly naturalistic depictions of trees and flowers. The foreground section of the canvas, dominated by flowers, could constitute a painting in itself as it appears to stand apart from the rest of the composition.