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Buildings behind the Vatican

Joseph-Marie Vien

National Gallery of Art

The image depicts a fortified stone structure, resembling a castle, surrounded by bushes and trees. The horizon is obscured by vegetation, leaving the sky visible. The central tower is prominent, with smaller buildings nearby. The sketch is detailed using a pencil, emphasizing light and dark shading for texture. The drawing is monochromatic, focusing on contrast through pencil strokes. The style is simple and refined, with no elaborate details, and offers an unobstructed view towards the buildings in the distance.

Artwork Details

Date
1744/1750
Medium
graphite on laid paper
Dimensions
4803 × 3370 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original