The artwork, titled “Ancient Rome Agrippina Landing with the Ashes of Germanicus,” was created by J.M.W. Turner in 1839. It is an oil painting on canvas, part of the Romanticism art movement, and belongs to the cityscape genre. This remarkable piece is currently located at Tate Modern in London, UK.
This painting depicts a serene scene bathed in golden light, portraying the historic moment of Agrippina’s return to Rome with the ashes of Germanicus. The composition is dominated by the shimmering waters of the river, lined with ancient Roman architecture, including prominent bridges and buildings that create a sense of depth and grandeur. Turner’s use of light and color imbues the painting with a dreamlike quality, evoking a sense of reverence and melancholic beauty. The crowds of figures gathered along the banks and in boats add to the historical narrative, conveying a poignant moment of collective mourning and respect for the fallen Germanicus.