In addition to the great monuments and buildings of central Rome, Turner recorded a number of noted landmarks found in the northern outskirts of the city such as the Fontana dell’Acqua Acetosa (see the
Naples: Rome C. Studies sketchbook, Tate
D16138; Turner Bequest CLXXXVII 50), the Torre Lazzaroni (see folio 27,
D16442; Turner Bequest CXC 32) and the Ponte Molle (see folio 53,
D16475; Turner Bequest CXC 59). The subject of this sketch is the so-called Sedia del Diavolo (Devil’s Chair), a Roman tomb dating from the second or third century which stands in present-day Piazza Callistio, near to the ancient Via Nomentana.
1 The brick structure, known today as the tomb of Elio Callistio, is comprised of two storeys and derives its names from the shape suggested by its three surviving walls.
2 Its ruined appearance, perched on an area of high ground between the Ponte Nomentano and the Church of Sant’Agnese fuori le mura, represented a picturesque motif for topographical artists.
3 Turner made a number of studies around the tomb, documenting its appearance from a variety of angles, see folios 1, 25 verso, 26 verso, 39 and 43 (
D16399,
D16426,
D16428,
D16458 and
D16463; Turner Bequest CXC 5, 22a, 23a, 44 and 48). He also recorded its location in relation to the Ponte Nomentano, see folios 24 verso and 45 (
D16424 and
D16465; Turner Bequest CXC 21a and 50). This composition depicts the structure from the south-west, showing the most complete wall of the outer façade. Like many drawings within the sketchbook, it has been executed over a washed grey background.