In the ground of

Watercolour by Edward Hassell titled "In the Grounds of ...". 1825

This watercolour painting presents a tranquil and classically inspired scene, centred around a neoclassical temple nestled within a dense woodland. The temple itself is circular in form, its architecture refined and symmetrical, neoclassical in style. Six Corinthian columns rise from a stone base, each one slender and fluted, their capitals adorned with intricate acanthus leaves. These columns support a domed roof, which curves gently above the structure..Inscribed along the dome’s edge is the Latin phrase “TEMPLUM VIRTUTIS ET HONORIS,” which translates to “Temple of Virtue and Honour.” A short flight of stairs leads up to the temple’s entrance. Just inside the entrance, partially obscured by shadow and columns, stands what appears to be a pedestal or altar—simple, square, and unadorned.Surrounding the temple is a dense grove of trees, their foliage rendered in soft washes of green and brown.At the bottom of the painting two inscriptions reading “In the Grounds of" and "Putney"