Le Palais Galien, Bordeaux 1638

"Le Palais Galien, Bordeaux" is a pen and ink drawing by the Dutch artist Hem, created in 1638. The artwork depicts the ruins of the Palais Gallien, an ancient Roman amphitheater in Bordeaux, France. Hem captures the grandeur of the ruined structure, emphasizing the intricate details of its arches and columns, and the surrounding landscape. The drawing, now part of the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst collection, is a testament to Hem's skill in capturing the beauty and decay of historical architecture. The drawing showcases the architectural legacy of the Roman Empire, while simultaneously revealing the passage of time and the impermanence of even the most enduring structures.