John Rollin Tilton; Temple of Aphaea; Aegina; ca. 1870-1879; oil on canvas; 30 15/16 in. x 48 1/16 in. (78.58 cm x 122.08 cm); Born in New Hampshire; John Rollin Tilton began his artistic career painting signs and rail car decorations in Portland. Encouragement from local critic John Neal prompted him to pursue training in Europe. In 1852 Tilton settled in Rome; where he would spend many productive years. On the strength of his Claude Lorrain-inspired landscapes; he gained a popular following; especially among Grand Tour patrons. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; Class of 1825; described him as 'a very single-minded; and pure-minded man; with the highest and noblest aspirations and great modesty.' This painting depicts the ruins of the Greek temple of Aphaea on the island of Aegina. Exhibited in Boston in 1880; it was praised as 'the most beautiful; the most original; the most Tiltonic of all.' Mary Sophia Walker acquired it shortly thereafter.