This image was commissioned for a post-construction dining room furnished with neo-classical ornamentation and Italian antiques. Originally inspired by the 19th century masterpiece "The Consummation of the Empire" by Thomas Cole, this piece was created to transfer the dining room into a chamber of Pompeian mansion over-looking Rome.
The client wanted to pay tribute to his favorite movie, "Gladiator" by Ridley Scott. In reference to one of the more majestic scenes from the film, a coliseum is visible in the distance surrounded by the metropolis of Rome diffused in majestic rays of light.
Close inspection reveals a significant amount of detail within the image from the elaborate Corinthian capitals to the pediment of the temple. The image spans from corner to corner and from the crown molding to the chair rail capping the wainscoting. The shelf, floral arrangement and stone columns with cornice are painted in trompe l'oeil fashion.