THE PYRAMID OF CESTIUS

The poet and novellist Thomas Hardy saw the Pyramid of Cestius during a visit in 1887 and was inspired to write a poem, Rome: At the Pyramid of Cestius near the Graves of Shelley and Keats, in which he wondered: "Who, then was Cestius, / and what is he to me?"

In March of 2025, I sketched The Pyramid of Cestius in situ and took photos for reference, knowing it would make an amazing subject for a painting. I met some lovely local people who watched as I sketched, and seemed to appreciate my work! The city streets, buildings and general area around the pyramid are very beautiful, and I hope to return one day to make further studies for more paintings.

Oils on stetched canvas in a floating ash frame (42.5cm x 32.5cm), ready to hang (4/5). Artwork copyright of the artist, July 2025.