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A Capriccio of Ruins by the Lagoon

Francesco Guardi

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a vertical landscape seen from an elevated viewpoint. The horizon is suggested by a horizontal line just below the center, where the faint outline of water and possibly a sail can be seen. Close to us, there is a sketchy formation of lines and patches resembling natural and architectural elements, such as trees and ruins with arches, using loose and expressive brushstrokes typical of a quick ink and wash drawing. The color palette is subtle, mainly consisting of soft browns and muted creams, creating a gentle sepia tone throughout the piece. The overall composition is framed by a thin margin.

Artwork Details

Medium
pen and brown ink with brown and gray wash on laid paper; laid down
Dimensions
2656 × 4435 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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