Le Forum, la nuit 1842

"Le Forum, la nuit" (1842) by Jean-Léon Gérôme is a nocturnal scene of the Roman Forum. The painting depicts the ruins of the forum under a starry night sky, with a lone column standing in the foreground. The image is composed in an oval format, which adds to the sense of intimacy and grandeur. Gérôme was known for his meticulous detail and historical accuracy, which is evident in the depiction of the ancient architecture. The painting captures the beauty and mystery of the Roman past and the enduring power of its legacy. This painting is a prime example of the "orientalist" genre.