The Temple of Minerva Medica

French 18th Century

National Gallery of Art

The image shows ancient ruins, a partially standing brick structure covered with vegetation. Arched windows and decaying form are silhouetted against a sky with wispy clouds. The horizon is implied by the line where the earth meets the sky. The tones of the earth merge with the pastel blue sky. The brushstrokes are fluid, giving a sense of age and atmosphere. Rocky terrain with patches of grass and shrubs contrast with the ruins. Distant structures and trees are hinted at, all portrayed with a serene color palette and soft, misty outlines.