About this piece
back to topA 19th Century Grand Tour Watercolour of The Ear of Dionysius’ at Syracuse
This highly stylised scene was created by an unknown artist in the late 1800s. Named by Caravaggio in 1608, the cave is said to resemble a human ear, giving it excellent amplification properties. According to legend, Dionysius used the cave as a prison, and by means of the perfect acoustics eavesdropped on the plans and secrets of his captives.
A figure enters the doorway at the base of the cave, which was placed after the drawings of the late 1700s but now removed. In the foreground, a man holds a picnic basket, whilst another character heads towards the entrance. The flashes of blue and red that make up the clothing of the figures adds depth and intrigue to the earthy colours throughout.
Presented in a gilt frame and a complementary mount.
