A monumental representation of the Greek city of Corinth by English painter Thomas Allom
The Sack of Corinth painting was painted by Thomas Allom. Thomas, with his keen interest in the Classical world, showcased his skills as an architect and topographical draughtsman through this monumental representation of the sack of the Greek city of Corinth. He regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy and in 1863, published a series of views of classical remains in the Art Journal. A slightly smaller and unfinished version of the artwork, titled “The Destruction of Corinth,” was found in his studio after his death and was auctioned off in 1873. It was later purchased by Paul Mellon and donated to the Yale Center for British Art.
Facts About Thomas Allom
- Thomas was born on March 13, 1804, in Lambeth, London, England, and died on October 21, 1872, in Barnes, London.
- The English painter was trained as an architect and started his career as an apprentice in the office of architect Francis Goodwin.
- The Church of St. Peter’s and parts of the Ladbroke Estate in Notting Hill are among some iconic buildings in London that he contributed to.
- He worked with Sir Charles Barry on many projects, including the Houses of Parliament in London.
- Allom was also an accomplished topographical illustrator and published numerous works on his travels, including “Constantinople and the Scenery of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor” in 1838 and “China Illustrated” in 1845.
- He was a founding member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), established in 1834 to promote the profession of architecture and support architects in their work.
