This fascinating 19th-century study by German artist Robert Julius Beyschlag (1838-1903) depicts a doorway from antiquity. Two Doric columns stand astride an opening to an ancient building, which is probably Roman. It’s reminiscent of sacred buildings such as the Temple of Romulus in Rome.

Beyschlag was predominantly a painter of sentimental genre scenes so this is quite an unusual find. But, as with many of his 19th-century contemporaries, it’s plausible that he travelled to Italy to study. He was 29 when he completed this work.

Signed on the left and housed within a later frame.

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Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 22” x 26” / 56cm x 66cm
Year of creation: 1867
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £12,201 achieved for an oil painting in 2004.