The Port of Monaco

The Port of Monaco

Adolphe Appian

1873

chalk

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows three big ships docked at a rocky shore. The water is calm, and the boats have lots of ropes and sails. A few people stand near the boats, and in the background, there’s a small hill with a few buildings. The artist used soft charcoal and gray wash on blue paper, giving it a dreamy, quiet feel. The ships look detailed but loose, like quick sketches. Next, check out the technique: scumbling to see how artists create texture with chalk.

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