Artwork

Ruins

Ruins, by Mary Altha Nims, 1840
Ruins, by Mary Altha Nims, 1840

Ruins is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Mary Altha Nims. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1934.119

About this work

Overview

Ruins is a drawing by Mary Altha Nims, dated to around 1840, and is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts aged structures within a landscape, conveying a sense of antiquity. The detailed rendering of the ruins evokes a bygone era, inviting the viewer to contemplate the past.

Technique & Style

Nims employed a high level of detail to convey the age and wear of the buildings. The technique used is reminiscent of sfumato, a style that creates a soft, hazy effect by layering thin glazes of paint.

Artist & collection

Artist

Mary Altha Nims

Mary Altha Nims (1817–1907) was an American artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Ruins?

Ruins was painted by Mary Altha Nims in 1840.

Where can I see Ruins?

Ruins is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Ruins?

Ruins is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Ruins?

Museum-quality prints of Ruins are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.