The artwork, titled “Capital from the Mosque of El Aksa,” created by James Tissot between 1886 and 1889, exemplifies the Realism art movement. Measuring 8 x 8 cm, this sketched study resides in the Brooklyn Museum, located in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork showcases a meticulously detailed capital, the topmost part of a column, from the Mosque of El Aksa. Rendered in black ink on a beige background, the capital features intricate patterns and designs, with a prominent basket-weave design encompassing its midsection. Above this, vegetal motifs and a central floral decoration are exquisitely depicted, emphasizing the artist’s dedication to precision and realism. The sketch is bordered by a simple frame, highlighting the historical and architectural significance of the motif captured by Tissot. The artist’s technical skill in capturing the elaborate details of the capital is evident, making the artwork a significant study of architectural elements.
