The Basilica of Maxentius, Rome

The Basilica of Constantine or Maxentius, the ruin of which dominate the north eastern end of the Forum, has gone by various names throughout its long history. By the 15th century it was known as the 'Temple of Peace', from the long since vanished temple of that name, which stood nearby in the forum of Vespasian. Ducros was given the credit by Sir Richard Colt Hoare of having revolutionised the art of watercolour painting. He was in Rome at the same time as J. R. Cozens, and it is of considerable interest to be able to compare this fine example of his work with the wonderful group of Cozens's Italian watercolours at the Whitworth.