Hermann Corrodi

Possibly, Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859 - 1941), acquired from the artist in Rome on 18 September 1892

Possibly, Kunstchronik, 27 October 1892, cited (as Darstellung des Tempelplatzes vor der Omar-Moschee in Jerusalem mit dem heiligen Brunnen)

The canvas has been lined. Ultra-violet light reveals three vertical strokes of retouching in the pavement in the lower left corner (the biggest circa 10cm.) and one in the first pillar to the right (circa 5cm.) all possibly addressing old repairs, some small scattered spots in the sky and one spot in the lower right corner. The picture is otherwise in good condition, presents very well and is ready to hang. Presented in a decorative gilt frame.
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The Dome of the Rock, one of the oldest extant works of Islamic architecture, is an Islamic shrine on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem, and according to Islamic tradition marks the spot from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. Initially completed in 691 at the order of Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik, it was built on the site of the Roman temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, which had in turn been built on the site of Herod's Temple, destroyed during the Roman Siege of Jerusalem in 70AD. During the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent (1520–1566) the exterior was covered with tiles, seen here glowing in the evening sun.

Corrodi's view is from the nearby Al-Aqsa mosque just to the south, whose main ablution fountain, known as al-Kas ('the Cup'), is seen in the foreground. It is used by worshipers to perform wudu, a ritual washing of the hands, arms, legs, feet, and face before entry into the mosque. It was first built in 709 by the Umayyads, but in 1327–28 Governor Tankiz enlarged it to accommodate more worshipers. It was originally supplied with water from Solomon's Pools near Bethlehem.

The present picture may be the work formerly in the collection of Kaiser Wilhelm II, who is known to have bought a picture showing 'the sacred fountain before the Mosque of Omar in Jerusalem' from the artist's studio in Rome on 18 September 1892.