Interior of a Courtyard
1635
chalk
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Interior of a Courtyard is a 1635 chalk by Unknown, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a simple courtyard with a low wall and a small wooden door. Inside, there’s an old stone building with a slanted roof, a few open windows, and a small table with a pitcher. The ground looks uneven, with some rocks and a broom leaning against the wall. The artist used soft shading to show light and shadow, making the scene feel quiet and worn. The rough lines give it a quick, sketchy look, like a quick note of a place. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how light and dark create depth in drawings like this.
