LUIGI MAYER (c.1755-1803)

THE ANCIENT GRANARY OF PATARA, LYCIA
With a handwritten label attached to the backboard identifying the subject
Gouache & watercolour, heightened with white chalk
54 x 71 cm
 
PROVENANCE:
Sir Robert Ainslie, Bt. (1730-1812), London & Bath;
Eyre & Hobhouse (by 1983);
The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London
 
LITERATURE:
Luigi Mayer, Views in the Ottoman empire, chiefly in Caramania... , London (1803), pl. 3 (see image 3 above)
 
 
 
 
Mayer described the site as follows in his Views: 'Ancient Granary at Cacamo. This granary, as appears by the inscription, Horrealmp. Cesaris Divi Trajani Parthici F. Divi Nerva; Nepotis Trajani Iladriani Augusti Cos. Ill, was built in the year 1 by the emperor Hadrian, the adopted son of Trajan, whom he succeeded, and the grandson of Nerva. On the summit of a hill near is a small temple, perhaps belonging to the ancient Myra.'