Bidspirit auction | A Pair of Roman Architectural

A Pair of Roman Architectural View Watercolors by John Whitacre Allen - This pair of original watercolor paintings on paper depicts iconic Roman landmarks by British landscape artist John Whitacre Allen. The horizontal composition features a detailed view of the Roman Forum including the Arch of Septimius Severus and the Temple of Vespasian and Titus, with a figure and ox cart in the foreground. The vertical composition showcases the Temple of Mars Ultor and the Arco dei Pantani with several figures in period attire. Both works demonstrate a precise topographic style with a focus on light and shadow. Each painting is signed at the lower right in dark pigment: J. Whitacre Allen / 1900. The works are presented in matching gilt-finish frames with triple-lined cream mats. A handwritten biographical label on the reverse of one frame provides historical context and references the artist's entry in the Dictionary of British Watercolour Artists by Huon Mallalieu.