Richard Wilson, R.A. (Penegoes 1713/4-1782 Colomendy) and Studio

This is an autograph version of Wilson's Tivoli: Temple of the Sibyl and the Campagna, which Constable recorded as in a Private Collection, New York (loc. cit., p. 223, no. 116b). Wilson painted this same composition, with travellers on a path in the foreground in place of the artist, in both horizontal and vertical format (ibid., no. 115a and 115b respectively). This present composition obviously proved a success, since Constable lists nine autograph versions, the present painting included (ibid., pp. 223-4). A loose sketch for this view is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

We are grateful to Professor David Solkin, Courtauld Institute of Art, for confirming the attribution to Wilson and Studio, on inspection of the original.