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Sketch of Buildings with Cart and Horses in Foreground

John Sell Cotman

National Gallery of Art

The image depicts a rural landscape in a pencil sketch style. The point of view is at a lower angle looking slightly upwards towards structures on the horizon line. There is a small building with a pointy roof, possibly a silo or water tower, and nearby, a couple of vertical structures resembling chimneys. To the right, there is a roof peak suggesting a house or barn. Closest to us is a wooden cart. The sketch technique involves loose and quick lines without defined shading. The color palette is monochrome, consisting of graphite pencil tones. Beyond the cart, vague outlines of shrubbery or trees are visible, adding depth to the scene.

Artwork Details

Medium
graphite on wove paper
Dimensions
4663 × 3421 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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