Great Temple in Palmyra, North Entrance — Wood

This magnificent hand-coloured engraving captures the awe-inspiring ruins of Palmyra's Great Temple and Monumental Arch, a testament to ancient grandeur.

Drawn by Giovanni Battista Borra, engraved by Thomas Major. From Robert Wood's The Ruins of Palmyra, otherwise Tedmor, in the Desart, published in London, 1753. The print is titled Of the Great Temple in Palmyra in front the Nord / L'Entrée du Grand Temple de Palmire du cote du Nord.

Wood's monumental work was the first comprehensive survey of Palmyra's ruins, profoundly influencing Neoclassical architecture and inspiring generations of antiquarians and artists across Europe.

Hand-coloured copperplate engraving. Sheet size approximately 31.0 × 43.7 cm. Good condition, with some age-toning, minor edge wear, and a central vertical fold.